Suspicious or Harassing Phone Calls

It's the middle of the night. Your phone rings, and after you answer it:

• the caller shouts obscenities into the phone,
• you hear the caller suggest some sexual act, or
• you hear nothing at all.

What should you do?

A suspicious phone call that scares or threatens you is a serious offence, and should be reported to the police.

If you receive a suspicious phone call:

• Never entertain the caller.
• Do not talk to the caller. Do not beg, plead or threaten the caller.
• After you hang up, write down the time and date of the call.
• Write down the sex of the caller and anything he or she said.

Remember: The caller wants to scare or upset you. Anything you say to the caller will confirm the reaction the caller is looking for.

Say nothing. Hang up.

• If the caller phones many times or at all hours, or threatens you or your property, call the police.
• After the call is reported to the police, a phone trace may be placed on your line.

Here are some precautions to take if you are receiving suspicious phone calls:

• It may be someone you know. An ex-spouse, boy/girlfriend, co-worker, or total stranger. You will have to try to recall any details of a past relationship or a suspicious person you met.
• At the same time, you must keep in mind your personal safety.
• Watch the people around you - at work, at the bus stop, anywhere - just in case the caller knows you and may be following you.

A suspicious call is very unnerving. A threatening call is a crime.