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Screen ALL your phone calls with your answering machine.

With rare exceptions, I don't personally answer phone calls - I experience no more indigestion regarding unwanted phone calls.

If the caller is legit, he or she'll simply start talking and if home, and I care too, I pick up.

Handling phone calls in this manner eliminates 100% (exception: politicians running for office as those crooks exempted themselves from the "do not call list" mere mortals must observe...) of computerized calls and the vast majority of all others. Calls quickly end with two rings and then a dial tone. Beautiful!

Most people turn off their answering machines when home, presumably feeling obligated to personally answer when they can avoid the bother.

Initially, the Pavlovian response to personally answer is a little difficult to get past, but believe me once used to it, you'll love it. You're are not COMPELLED to let anyone in your house via phone.

I've been employing this method for years and I have no more annoyance over 'aggravating sales pitches, surveys and beggars'.

Try it and see for yourself.