• Hang up, without delay, on any obscene, harassing or threatening telephone calls.

   

• If such calls occur more than once, notify the telephone company (they can attach a device to your circuit that automatically traces all your calls-all you have to do is write down the exact time the call came in and they can tell you who made the call); you must be willing, however, to prosecute the guilty party.

   

• If any threats are made to you via the telephone, notify police.

   

• Use an unlisted telephone number (or have your number changed) if the calls continue or do this to prevent any such calls.

   

• Single women: do not list your first and middle name in the telephone directory; use initials only:

  e.g.: instead of Mary Ann Smith, it should be M.A. Smith

  This prevents an obscene caller from knowing you are a female.

   

• When answering the telephone, never indicate if you are alone or when you will be coming or leaving to any stranger.

   

• Report too many "wrong numbers" to the police; it could be a burglar wanting to find out-through the unanswered telephone - when you are not home.

   

• If you know who the harassing caller is, file a complaint against the person with the local district justice. Back to top

For more information, contact the Office of 
State Senator Vincent J. Fumo.

1208 Tasker Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 468-3866

2637 East Clearfield Street Philadelphia, PA 19134 (215) 423-7670

Senate Box 203001 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3001 (717) 787-5661

E-Mail: Senator_Fumo@fumo.com.