System and method of deterring unsolicited telephone calls

A method for controlling unsolicited telephone calls in a telecommunications network, the method executed by at least one processor of a call processing system, the method comprising:

• receiving, by the processor, a call request for a call from an originating telephone number directed to a destination telephone number associated with a called-party device of a called party;
• determining, by the processor, that the originating telephone number is not stored in a contact list associated with the called-party device;
• transmitting, by the processor, a pre-connection notification to the originating telephone number indicating that completion of the call may be subject to a charge;
• provisionally authorizing, by the processor, a charge to an account associated with the originating telephone number in response to an acceptance of the potential charge from the originating telephone number;
• connecting, by the processor, the call between the originating telephone number and the called-party device upon provisional authorization;
• after termination of the connected call, causing, by the processor, the called-party device to present a prompt requesting input from the called party regarding the provisionally authorized charge;
• receiving, by the processor, an instruction transmitted from the called-party device indicating whether the provisionally authorized charge is to be confirmed or waived;
• and
• processing, by the processor, the provisionally authorized charge in accordance with the instruction, including finalizing the charge when the instruction indicates confirmation and voiding the charge when the instruction indicates waiver;
• and
• wherein the processor is further configured to apply an increased penalty if the originating telephone number is identified in a repeat-offender database as a repeat offender.