DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is in response to the person having trouble with unwanted calls (July 4). There are phones on the market that will block unwanted calls after the first call. I purchased one that will block as many as 60 different numbers, and it works fine. — Dorothy Bouchles, [email protected]

ANSWER: Blocking those calls is certainly a big help. Unfortunately, the perpetrators have figured out a work-around to blocking — they keep changing their phone numbers.

Mr. Sun Spots was getting calls in the middle of the night on his cellphone (which is against current regulations), but the numbers kept changing. Sun Spots finally answered the phone and asked why they were calling in the middle of the night (also against the law). The guy said that was when they got the cheap rates for calling!

Sun Spots pointed out that people who were awakened by a telemarketer would probably not be in the mood for purchasing anything, but it took several more days (and several more alternate numbers) for the calls to end.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Again, thank you for your great job responding to all the questions people need answers to.

I’m responding to the June 25 letter about unwanted telephone calls. This is what has worked to preserve the tranquility of our home.

First step, notify the Do Not Call list (www.donotcall.gov, 888-382-1222).

Second, tell the unwanted caller clearly, politely but firmly, to “please put me on your Do Not Call list.” Even if you are already doing business with the caller, if they want any future business they will abide by your request.

The third step is to tell your telephone provider you want an unlisted, unpublished telephone number. It will cost $1 a month. Then ask the telephone company for anonymous call rejection. That cost is $2.25 per month and works with caller ID.

Fourth, when you must provide your telephone number, clearly state in writing on the form that your telephone number is not to be shared or sold. 

The good results may take a little time, but it does eventually work out well. In this house we have night workers and thus daytime sleepers. Wake one of them up, and it won’t be a pleasant conversation!

Once the above steps have been taken, your phone and home will be yours once more. Have a great summer. — D.L., Monmouth

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I couldn’t live without starting the day with Sun Spots. I appreciate you and my Sun Journal carrier.

Question. I used to be able to get my credit report immediately online. Now I have to mail in a request on the usual site. Is that true of all sites that provide free credit reports? They also want a copy of a state-issued ID or license and a utility bill.

This all makes me nervous, and I wonder if it is an effort to reduce requests. My request was for Experian. — Marilyn via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots got her credit report from TransUnion in June without any of the hurdles Marilyn mentioned. It came right up on her computer with the option to print or save to a PDF.

Just in case Experian has different rules, Sun Spots checked by requesting Mr. Sun Spots’ report from Experian. It, too, came up with the option to print, and she saved it to PDF.

She does not know what happened to Marilyn. An inadvertent click? Perhaps she answered one or two of the security questions incorrectly? That might trigger a mail-only report.

Sun Spots does not think it is an effort to reduce requests.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many of us senior citizens do not have Internet, email, etc. Since many letter writers give out only email addresses and no phone number, we cannot do business with them nor get in touch with them to donate things they are looking for and need for various organizations. — Seeking Communication, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots has made this point in her column and thanks you for making it again. She often asks writers to provide their phone number when they send an email to her.

Oddly enough, some letters that arrive by snail-mail also offer only email communication. You’d think those writers would be especially tuned in to the need for a phone number.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].