Computer Help and Support

Scammers and telemarketers use autodialers to call people. If the call is answered, the autodialers make a note of the number in their data banks so it can be called again.

By having an answering machine that requires you to enter a number it prevents the autodialers from connecting the call. Also, if somehow it does connect or it's a telemarketer entering the number, you can use the answering machine to screen the call and decide whether or not to answer it. You can also record a message when the answering machine is activated saying something lie "All calls are screened to discourage automated callers, telemarketers, scammers, and unwanted calls. All other callers please press "6" to connect to the answering machine and I will get back you later."

I have an answering machine that does this and I sometimes a telemarketer or scammer gets past the answering machine but I can just listen to see if they say anything. Ninety-nine percent of the time they simply hang up.