A system is described for processing messages and calls comprising: a plurality of filtering modules to apply a corresponding plurality of rule sets in succession to filter incoming and/or outgoing electronic messages and to apply the highest priority rule from among a plurality of rule sets to calls; and a pre-inbox for temporarily storing the calls and/or electronic messages as each of the plurality of rule sets are applied, the calls and/or electronic messages being removed from the pre-inbox and disposed of only after each of the plurality of rule sets have been applied to the calls and/or electronic messages.