Telephone Safety

These telephone tips are strictly for personal safety at home or in the office. It does not apply to bomb threats or other emergency/crisis calls. If you receive a bomb threat call, you should refer to page 10 of the Emergency and Disaster Guidebook.

·        If a telephone call is threatening, contact your local law enforcement agency or campus police immediately.

·        Don’t give your phone number to a stranger on the phone.

·         If you receive frequent “wrong number “ calls, hang up calls, late night calls from strangers, or other nuisance calls, call the Campus Police.

·        Never allow yourself to be drawn into conversation with an unknown caller in which you reveal your name, address, marital status or anything that would indicate you are alone.

·        Never let a caller know they have made you angry or upset. This is the reaction they want and will often encourage them to continue the conversation.

·        Don’t play detective and extend the call attempting to find out who is calling. This may be the reaction the caller wants or needs.

·        Don’t try to be a counselor. The annoying or malicious caller may need professional help and may be encouraged by your concern or advice and continue calling.