Interactive call identification

A method and apparatus for interactive call identification of a call to a called party. Identifying messages, either text and voice, can be entered on a call-by call basis by the calling party to provide information regarding the call to enable the called party to screen the incoming call. Such identifying messages can include descriptive information about the identity of the caller, the subject matter of the call or any other user-user information. The identifying message is transmitted in the form of a real-time message sent by the caller and received by the party being called in advance of their accepting the call. The identifying message is created on a call-by-call basis by the calling party. The called party receives the identifying message and, after receiving the message, the called party can accept, forward or reject the incoming call based on the information provided in the identifying message. The calling party has the option of using either real-time or pro-recorded message functions. The calling party can select, via a predetermined access code, to enter a personal message (voice or text) directly from the location from which the call is being placed after dialing the desired number. Interactive call identification can be initiated either by the called or calling party.