Getting crank calls? There is now a different way to handle them.

There will be a procedural change for handling annoying/obscene/threatening phone calls beginning July 27.

The change in procedures became necessary following the recent merger between GTE and Contel.

Under the new procedure, complaints about annoying/obscene phone calls should be directed toward the GTE Nuisance Call Bureau. The NCB can be reached at (800)-423-8658.

When victims call that number, an interactive recorded message similar to T.R.A.C.S. will request the information necessary to provide victims of annoying/obscene phone calls with an authorization/call log form.

Upon completing the form, victims must take it to the Dekalb Police station for authorization.

A representative from GTE said if the call is local, chances are the bureau will locate the perpetrator. “If the call is long distance, there is no guarantee that we will catch them,” she said.

University Police Officer George Liepins said the UP receive many complaints about threatening phone calls on campus. In some cases, these “prank” phone calls lead to arrests.

In any case, the UP urges people concerned about hostile prank phone calls to take action.

Liepins said,”If someone is receiving harassing, threatening phone calls, they should contact University Police.”

DeKalb residents victimized by life threatening phone calls are encouraged to speak with a DeKalb Police detective. If no detective is available, victims should ask to speak with the shift supervisor.

In extreme cases, tracing equipment will be installed to the phone line.

“If someone is receiving harassing, threatening phone calls, they should contact University Police.”

George Liepins, University Police Officer