From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

Date: Jul 19, 2010

Telephonic Harassment

It is a crime in Oregon to intentionally harass or annoy another person on the telephone. The penalties can be severe. Repeated obscene and abusive phone calls can bring panic to a household, but you can fight back.

Always set your own rules for using your phone. Talk on your terms, NOT the caller's. Don't talk to anyone unless you want to. HANG UP

Ask all callers to identify themselves. If someone calls you and asks "who is this?"-- don't answer. Ask "what number were you calling? "or "who do you want?"

Never answer personal questions about anything in your life unless you know exactly who you are speaking with and why.

If you get a call from a "breather", one who calls repeatedly and says nothing, or someone who makes obscene or threatening comments, say nothing and hang up.

Don't worry about offending salespeople on the phone. Do not give any information; just hang up.

Report Threatening or abusive phone calls to the telephone company and the police immediately. For obscene and abusive calls, dial the business office of the phone company. They have representatives who are trained to help.

Explain these tips to your children and then ask them at a later time what they should do when they answer the phone under these circumstances. This will assure you they are prepared to deal with these types of phone calls.

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