ANNOYING PHONE CALLS - Refers to nuisance calls, obscene calls of various types. These annoying telephone calls range from relatively harmless pranks initiated by children, through offensive and potentially harmful acts, to clearly dangerous threats that must be countered.

Nuisance calls are commonly made by children and are probably harmless. You may want to report it to the police. THE BEST ADVICE IS TO SIMPLY HANG UP.

Do not encourage a return call. If the calls persists to the point that they become harassment, report it to the police. Caller Line Identification (Caller ID) service is available on your phone that you may find helpful.

Obscene calls represent abnormal behavior that could be potentially dangerous. People who make obscene calls find gratification from the response of the recipient. The best initial reaction is to hang up immediately. Telephone companies have recommended that for a woman who has been bothered by obscene calls is to obtain an unlisted telephone number.

If obscene calls persist, the police will investigate. An important preliminary step in the investigation is to establish a time pattern for the calls. This will assist the police in apprehending the caller.