If you do not want to talk to a person selling a product or service by telephone, just say "no thank you," and hang up.

If you're bothered by harassing or anonymous phone calls, try these techniques to discourage them.

• Don't talk to the caller. This is what he or she wants you to do.
• Don't give out any information or let the caller know if you're alone. Teach your children to say, "Mom or Dad can't come to the phone. May I take a message?"
• If the problem occurs continuously over an extended period, you should report it to your local law enforcement agency. Keep a record of the days and times of the calls, and note the caller's sex, voice, accent and comments. This information should assist the police.
• It is a crime to make harassing, obscene or anonymous phone calls under both federal and state laws. Also, Mid-Rivers Communications provides Caller ID, Call Screening and callGUARD. You can also register your telephone number for free and it will stay on the national Do-Not-Call list for five years.

For more information on any of these services, contact Mid-Rivers Customer Services at 1-800-452-2288 or send an email to: customerservices@midrivers.coop