Dear Marsha,

For the past two months I have been getting a lotLOT of calls that when I answer the phone, the caller just sighs several times.  I really am not sure who this is, and they are obviously blocking their number because my caller id always shows unknown caller.  I usually will listen to them for a few minutes, and try getting them to talk to me, but then I hang up once I know they are not going to talk no matter how hard I try to get them to.  I have also had hang up calls on my answering machine.  A friend of mine said this could be dangerous and that I should call the police. I just think it is someone playing a prank on me.  What do you think of these sighing and seemingly scary calls?

Haunting Calls

Dear Haunting Calls,

I personally would like for you to contact your local phone company and get further instructions to trace this caller right away.

I agree that this could be a potentially scary and/or dangerous situation, and it is always best to play it safe instead of second guessing and perhaps one day being sorry for not doing something about it.

There are many sick people in this world.  It is very likely that someone is calling you on a regular basis to gain knowledge

of what times you are home, what times you are awake, etc.  He may be plotting this information to be a part of his future use.  The caller could be a stalker, wanting to know the times he could catch you at home alone, or he could be a thief wanting to know the times you are usually away from your home.  This caller could also be a pervert that just wants to hear a feminine voice, and if you keep trying to get him to talk to you, he could be sitting on the other end of the phone getting his kicks.  There are many possibilities.  We can not always assume it is someone playing an innocent joke on us.  Situations like this should be treated very seriously and with caution.

After calling the phone company, I would suggest that you make out a journal of what days and times you recall him calling you.  It would also help if you could remember if you have given him your name or any other personal information while trying to get him to talk to you.  You can also write down any additional information that you may think would help anyone to identify this person or their location such as noise you may have heard in the background in addition to his sighing.  (audible sirens, other voices, train, etc.)  This information could be more useful to the local authorities than you may think if the situation calls for it.

I am thankful that you took the time to write this question to me, for I feel it is of great importance for me to tell you to do  something about it fast.  Please, call the phone company now or as soon as they are open next.

Always,

Marsha