a messaging device is disclosed . the device is connected to a telephone line and communicates with other devices identical to itself via a communications link established over existing phone lines , power lines or via wireless communications mechanisms . the messaging device records caller id data upon detection of an incoming telephone call and prompts the user to enter additional data regarding the caller in assembling a message data packet including predefined messages . the message data packet is then transmitted to an identical messaging device wherein the caller id data , caller name , caller &# 39 ; s company , and predefined messages are presented to the intended recipient of the message contained in the message data packet . additional features include handwritten or typed detailed messages contained in said message data packet and security for preventing unauthorized viewing of message data . the messaging device is optionally integrated into the design of a telephone .