Most malicious telephone calls at the university are made by a small group of immature people who consider it funny or smart to interfere with your peace of mind. There is usually a way to stop the calls, and we will be happy to assist you. They can be valuable and interesting in cases where the companies placing the calls have screened their prospects and know that you may be interested. Some other groups, however, are not a particular about whom they call. Using automatic devices that dial every number in a prefix group, these calls are frequently accomplished without human supervision, and you may find yourself talking to a computer.
Some persons are annoyed or offended by such calls.
Telephone services are available to anyone for legitimate use, but no one likes thoughtless or indiscriminate sales or survey calls. If you choose not to respond, simply say so and hang up. Be sure to leave the handset hung up for at least 30 seconds to ensure the caller is disconnected. If you are interested but are skeptical about the offer, state that you will return the call or ask the caller to try again later after you've had a chance to check the organization with the Better Business Bureau. Or ask the caller to send you some information on the product or service so you can look it over before making a decision.