Ever had one of those crank calls in the middle of the night? Nothing just irritates me more than getting some bastard on the other line making all sorts of crazy remarks.

But if you ever happen to get such calls, just say nothing and hang up. Obliging them by saying anything or expressing any sign of anger, irritation or fear will just encourage the caller to harass you more. Instruct all the members of your household to do the same, especially your children.

If by any chance that your kids are left at home (either by themselves or with a babysitter), teach them to never tell that you aren’t home. Instead tell them to reply, “Sorry, my Mom/Dad can’t come to the phone right now.” This way you’re not exactly telling them to lie, you can’t really come to the phone anyway, right? Instruct them never to give the caller anyone’s name or your address.

If the calls happen often, log the time and duration of the calls. Police now consider all threats as serious. If ever the caller threatens you, report it to the police. Your log can very well help the police in tracing the caller. Phone companies can often be made to comply with police investigation especially with regard to threats.

Best of all, get a programmable caller ID. This way you can activate the call screen option to weed them out. When they call, the phone immediately screens them out so that you won’t be bothered anymore.