This may not be the right forum for this, but here goes: I hadn't checked my home voicemail for a few days and when I did, I heard 6 threatening messages from a guy whose voice I didn't recognize. The scary part is that he knew my name. My number is unlisted and I take great pains not to give it. It is a little unnerving. I'm going to file a police report tomorrow. My caller id says it is a blocked number. Beyond that, (and arming myself), does anyone else have any other suggestions?
I've never had to deal with this before.
Installing a couple of cameras at the front and back doors are a very good measure.. They are not expensive and you can feed them to your computer..
A note on 'private' number and info..
There are so many companies out there that increase their bottom line by 'leasing' your info that it is staggering.. Your very own employer may be doing so simply by being a 'member' of a employee verification company as they usually release your info to that company who in turn 'leases' it out too..
For a few hundred dollars a year a shell 'company' can get that or most of your info..
Many years ago I was a recruiter for one of the Armed Services.. Getting an unlisted number can be as easy as going to the Library and using a certain Government published book that is published annually.. These days I am willing to bet that if you knew where to look you could find that on-line..
Truth is no matter how hard you try to protect your private info it is some where out there without a condom covering it.. Really hardcore boolean spider searches can find just about anything...
Go to your local phone company and see if they can block calls coming without caller ID i.e, with caller id blocked.
This may sound crazy but it can be done and it is service my local company (AT&T) provides me.
Today, it is amazing how much is available on the 'net. A few years ago it was a topic of conversation so I thought I'd see if I could track down my very first girlfriend whom I've not seen or heard form or of in some 40+ years. I had not idea who she married, lived or anything else other than the city we had lived in and the university she went to after high school. In less than 15 minutes, I found her living at the other end of the country, her children including where they went to school, worked and lived, her husband's business, history and even his internal private work numbers and his military career. For her, I found her hobbies, professional development, and even a current photo that she did not know was on the net. I even got her private unlisted cell number off the 'net. I called to say hello and she almost died when I told her what I had found and how fast. None of the research cost anything or involved using my profession (no, I'm not in LE) to get info which I cold have possibly used and found it faster or maybe more info.
1st is the hiding way. You know, sandpaper your fingerprints, burn your documents and move to Mexico. It's a game of chicken that depends on how determined the other guy is.
2nd is the 'deal with it' way, and that depends on why the guy is calling, and who he is, etc. And any answer has to depend on that information.
If he really wanted to get you, like a process server, he'd be waiting at your door.
If you don't know who he is, and the threat is out of the blue, and not something limited (like your car payments), then you gotta take steps to protect yourself real quick. I'd make copies and give it to the police, and ask their advice (assuming it's not about hobbying).
Seriously, short of dropping off the grid, you can be found, and that's the way it has to be, or we'd be overrun with flakes.
I am sorry to hear that. I would be very upset as well. It is a good idea to file a report because at least there is that much documented just in case it were to escalate. It is probably someone messing with your head that gets off on that sort of thing and would not go any further, but you can never tell.
The advice given thus far is very good. The cameras and calling you phone company will hopefully help as well. The cameras are always a good thing to have. Vandals are caught on film a lot, and again, you may never have anything like that happen, but it is still good to have. I have a Bull Mastiff. She alerts me if anyone is near my place.
I wish you the best and hope the schmuck gets caught or hit by a semi truck.
Peace,
C
Call your phone service company and tell them you are getting threatening calls, ask them to give you the return number of the caller. You might need a police report to do that or not, so it is wise to file a police report also.
b-
Most guys who use the phone to try to scare and intimidate women are not capable of any real violence. Not to say always, but I have a psychologist friend who has worked with the LAPD and has looked into similar situations. In almost all cases, the guy was a scared little weuss.
this happened to my friend a few times. It turns out it was someone's bf just fucking around.
However, I like the camera idea (I have quite a few at my place and a security guard 24x7.)
Just be sure to document it with the police and if you feel afraid, ask them to drive by your place. It can't hurt.
Katie
Sorry about that. Call your phone company and have *57 put on your phone. If you are home when he calls hang up and *57. The phone company will trace the call and notify you to inform the police who can call and get the number without a subpeona.
He probably is using a pay phone and dialing *67 to block the call.
You also can have the phone company block all blocked calls from ringing. Your phone can be made to refuse a blocked call.
Be careful and document everything. Talk to the police and incist they file a report, even if you have to go higher up in the food chain.
I had a stalker and most of the time they are trying to hassle you, not actually do physical damage but take it from me the mental anguish can cause a lot of harm.. It has ruined three years for me.
Be careful.
thanks for your help and understanding. I have just never felt so threatened before. Maybe I am overreacting, but it does scare me. I hate to admit it
Once I had threatening & very obscene calls on my home phone, scary because in mentioned wife & daughter but no names. Turned out some jerk kids had someone else's phone and were pulling a prank... picked our number at random. The phone's owner had no idea... it could have been stolen. It stopped after I reported it to the State Police.
You must report it. If you don't make a record of it in a timely fashon, it never happened.
Take all steps to be safe... Cameras, locks, alarms (on when you're sleeping, not just when you're out).