Excellent advice, BruiserB. In phone company language the "block" you are referring to is a "Pic Lock" or "Pic Freeze."

For each of your phone numbers, it is important to place two "blocks," one for the long distance carrier and one for the local toll carrier. When you request a block, your phone company may not block both types of traffic. Even if you use the same carrier, it is still necessary to request that both types of traffic be blocked. I learned this the hard way.

It's a good idea to verify your current landline carriers on a regular basis from each of your different phone numbers, IMHO.

To verify your current landline carriers (at no charge):

• Long Distance Verification 1.700.555.4141
• Local Verification (intra-lata carrier, local toll calls) 1.xxx.700.4141 (or simply 700.4141 without dialing your area code)

xxx = your area code.
These numbers are intended for landline verification only and should be not be dialed from from cell phones.

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The best revenge is living well.

[This message has been edited by MRLIMO (edited 01-26-2003).]