i have a question about 'out-of-area' calls

As someone else has said before those companies blocked their numbers and company name. If you have answered them and there was no one there it could also be that their computer dialed your number and there is a delay before a human person at their end picks up and wants to sell you something or solicit a donation. Another possibility is that the call is coming from overseas. I never answered those calls before but then some friends in Europe complained that they could never get a hold of me. So now I answer them but if they are computer dialed I hang up during the delay before the human voice comes on. If the call is from an overseas friend of course they are on the line right away. Hope this helps.

If you are getting calls that reflect no number, let along and name, they have purposely blocked this. You do not want to talk with them. Most companies trying to sell you something may block their name but will not block their number. The whole purpose of caller ID is so that you will now who is calling. Never answer these calls. They could, and probably are, up to no good. There are 900 numbers that if you get involved with them will cost you money. Not sure this is it but could be. Just let it ring. If they really need to get hold of you they will leave a message.