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Call Screener from CallMeNot
The first step in engaging the Call Screener is installing the four AA batteries the manufacturer includes. We found the installation instructions and the alternating battery directions a little tricky, but not impossible. Also, the manufacturer tells us the tiny little screws securing the battery door may no longer be installed by the factory, but are packaged in a bag for the consumer to install if they wish to do so. We found them to be unnecessary. The manufacturers data indicates that the batteries will need to be changed every 6 to 12 months.
The Call Screener is easily installed by connecting the line from the wall jack, caller ID or answering machine to the “Line” connection on the back of the unit. Use the small cord provided to connect the unit to the telephone. No additional power connection is required.
The Call Screener offers more options in its operation that any other
unit tested. The three easy-to-use buttons located on the front of the
unit control all the available options. You can set the unit to work either
in an active or passive mode, to answer the phone in one or two rings,
and to be turned on and off.
In the active mode, the Call Screener will answer the phone and deliver
a legally correct message that informs the callers that solicitation calls
are not acceptedand directs the caller to place your number on their “Do
Not Call" list. It also informs all others to press “1”
to ring through and announces a brief credit to the manufacturer. If you
do not press “1,” the unit will hangup the phone and wait for
another call. If you do press “1,” you hear what sounds like
a ringing tone to let you know that your call is going through. What’s
really happening is the Call Screener is now ringing, not your actual
phone. This is important to know, because you will need to position the
Call Screener in a very central location so you can hear the unit's light
ring and turn it on and off conveniently. You can interrupt the Call Screener
message if it has beaten you to the phone by pressing “2” from
any phone.
In the passive mode, the Call Screener will not pick up the phone. The passive mode is designed to work for you only after you have answered your phone and realize that a telemarketer has cornered you. At this point, you can press the “*” key from any phone to deliver the same message described above. You can hang up your phone while this message is being delivered;t he Call Screener will continue to convey the message and hang up on it’s own.
The Call Screener incorporates two of the best features of other units listed on this site, and appears to deliver the best options presently available, when it comes to unsolicited telemarketing calls. But to effectively use this unit, you will have to adjust to a couple of issues. In the active mode, you will hear all your telephones ring either once or twice (depending upon your settings). After that, only the Call Screener will ring (and not your phones) if the caller presses “1.” Also, if you depart your house and leave the Call Screener in the active mode, when a caller presses “1” to get through after the Call Screener has answered, your answering device will not be engaged, no matter how many times the Call Screener rings. This means that you will not be able to receive voice messages while you are away if you have left the Call Screener on, and in the active mode, until you manually change it’s settings.
Great product! Stopped all of our usual 60 calls per week as soon as it was hooked up. I no longer feel like I'm subsidizing all the telemarketers just by paying my phone bill. Tom - Howell, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Call Screener work with Caller ID service?
The Call Screener will not interfere with your Caller ID service. Caller ID information is sent between the first and second ring on an incoming call; set your Call Screener to the "2 RINGS" mode to have it activate after the ID information has been sent.
How does the Call Screener work if I have an answering machine?
When you wish to have your calls answered by your answering machine, put the Call Screener into passive mode and it will not activate automatically on incoming calls. When in passive mode, you can manually activate the Call Screener's message by pressing '*' during a phone call.
How do I stop the message or ringing from another phone extension?
When you wish to stop the message or ringing from an extension not directly connected to the Call Screener, simply pick up the phone, press 1 and then 2 and answer like normal.
Will all the phones in my house ring?
When a call comes in your phones will ring either 1 or 2 times depending on which setting you have selected. This will alert you that you have a call. If you are not in the same room listen for the Call Screener to ring, signaling it is not an unsolicited call. Then when you answer the call from another room press 2 on the phone and it will shut down the Call Screener.
What if a Telemarketer violates the Call Screener's message but won't identify itself?
If a Telemarketer bypasses the Call Screener's message and WILL NOT identify him or herself properly, inform that person they are breaking the law and you are going to perform a call trace. If the party still refuses to properly identify itself, hang up and press *57 to activate the call trace. You will need to contact your phone company to get the results of the trace. Inform the phone company of the situation and ask for a copy of the trace results to be sent to you for legal proceedings.
How long should I use the Call Screener?
Our customers see a significant reduction of telemarketing calls after 6-8 weeks of using automatic or normal screening. The 3 tones or SIT code that is played at the beginning of the CallMeNot message removes your number from the majority of the calling lists. After that time, use the Call Screener in the Passive mode, answer your phone like normal, if it is an unsolicited caller, and simply press the star key to transfer the caller to the CallMeNot message.
What if I have the Call Screener in passive mode and I need to use the '*' key for another function, such as an automated phone service?
After using the telphone for 60 seconds, the Call Screener will automatically go into Stand-By mode and will ignore the '*' key being pressed.
How is the Call Screener powered?
The Call Screener operates on voltage sent through most phone lines when the phone rings. 4 AA batteries (included) provide additional power when needed.
My Call Screener is not functioning properly. Now what?
You may have experienced signal interference from another electronic device. Simply power-cycle the Call Screener to reset it by disconnecting the phone line and removing the battery for 1 minute.
What if a Telemarketer ignores the Call Screener's message?
If a Telemarketer bypasses the Call Screener's message, that party has willfully violated federal law and is liable for damages up to $1,500. It is very important that you record as much information as possible if this occurs. The telemarketer is required by law to give you his or her name, the organization's name, phone number, and a copy of their Do-Not-Call Policy. Request all this information and record it along with the date and time. This information is critical if you intend to collect damages.
What if a Telemarketer violates the Call Screener's message but won't identify itself?
If a Telemarketer bypasses the Call Screener's message and WILL NOT identify him or herself properly, inform that person they are breaking the law and you are going to perform a call trace. If the party still refuses to properly identify itself, hang up and press *57 to activate the call trace. You will need to contact your phone company to get the results of the trace. Inform the phone company of the situation and ask for a copy of the trace results to be sent to you for legal proceedings.
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