Abstract: A device is provided for screening incoming telephone calls. A list of authorized callers' telephone numbers is maintained in the device. Incoming telephone calls are detected and caller identification information (i.e., the originating telephone number of the call) is extracted. The caller identification information is compared with the authorized caller list. If the caller identification information for the incoming call is in the list, the telephone is allowed to ring normally. If the caller identification information for the incoming call is not in the list the telephone is prevented from ringing normally. The telephone can be prevented from ringing normally by answering the unauthorized call, by generating a distinctive ring for the call, or by redirecting the call to a separate telephone or to an answering machine.