"Cheri" wrote:
>>
>> Screen your calls with an answering machine.
>
>That's really the only way,

You can't screen calls with an answering machine if the caller doesn't
leave a message, and those computer calls Jill is referring to don't
leave messages.

>or if I happen to be close by the phone and
>don't recognize the number, I just pick the phone up and immediately hang
>up.

Well, that's sorta silly, you need to pick up and find out who is
calling from that number at least once, it could be important...
doctor's offices call with computer to confirm appointments and they
only display a number, no name... and the number displayed is likely
not their usual office number. I often receive computer calls from
pharmacies to apprise me that my Rx is ready for pick up.. it'd be
dumb to not pick up such calls. Medical calls don't identify
themselves for privacy reasons. I just can't fathom why of late folks
are so ascared to answer their phone.