Abstract: A telephone answering system is provided for use in combination with a telephone line adapted to receive incoming telephone calls, a telephone and a telephone answering machine. The system includes a circuit electrically connected to the telephone line for detecting and intercepting an incoming telephone call. Following interception of the telephone call, the circuit receives a frequency encoded signal from the caller produced by the caller pressing a predetermined sequence of numbers on a touch tone telephone. Thereafter, the entered code is compared with a user definable preset code. In the event that the entered code matches the preset code, the circuit directs the telephone call to the telephone, causing it to ring normally. In the event that the entered code matches a special access code different from the preset code, the circuit directs the telephone call to the telephone and activates the telephone to ring more rapidly than normal.