Is there anything worse than your phone ringing and when you look down at your screen it's an unknown number? You know it's an unsolicited and unwanted call, most likely automated, that wants to ask about your car warranty or tell you about different healthcare options. But if you're like me, curiosity wins and you can't help but answer and hope it's the one time there will be someone worthwhile on the other end. Well, one Montana man is in a bit of trouble for being the one on the other end of the phone for almost 5,000 calls.

Not quite an "is your refrigerator running?" call

I guess when I asked if there was anything worse than those unwanted mystery calls the answer is yes. That would be when the unknown mystery calls are done in a harassing way with inflammatory messages. A Montana Right Now story says a man from Libby thought it would make sense to robocall more than 4,900 people and spread some hate.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) says in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, the government alleged that 52-year-old Scott Rhodes made 4,958 illegal robocalls with falsified caller ID information, with the intent to cause harm.

Photo: Icons8 Team via Unsplash
Photo: Icons8 Team via Unsplash
loading...

Insults included mentions of race and religion

In one instance, more than 2,000 calls were made to a town in Virginia where Rhodes made derogatory comments and commentary about the local Mayor and Police Chief on the heels of a local crime in the community.

Sheesh, as if it's not bad enough to get unwanted calls from scammers and corporations, now you throw individuals in the mix.

96.3 The Blaze logo
Get our free mobile app

What a crazy story! Check out all the details for yourself in the link above. I guess the best option truly is to not pick up when you suspect it might be an unwanted caller on the other end of the phone.

How Pumpkins for the Pov Helps Missoulians

You Can Rent a Cabin on the Ranch From 'Yellowstone' - See Pictures

The stunning Montana ranch that serves as the setting for the hit TV show Yellowstone offers cabins for rent, and the price includes tours of the set and ranch. Scroll below to see photos of the extraordinary property.

Famous Singers from The Voice, Then + Now

Ten years (and counting) made a huge difference for many of the most popular singers and stars of The VoiceBlake Shelton looks noticeably different, but so do some of country music's most memorable performers.

Winners like Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery wore baby faces when they auditioned during their respective seasons. The same can be said for Morgan Wallen, a forgotten castmember from the show who's transformed more than anyone else on this list of The Voice stars then and now.

More From 96.3 The Blaze