A system and method for automatically classifying lists of telephone numbers into one or more predetermined categories is provided. The system initiates calls to each telephone number. A specific request is made of the callee, which confirms the number as being "live-answered." The system uses speech recognition software to compare audible sounds received on the other end of the line to a plurality of spoken messages to classify each telephone number that has been classified as "not live-answered" for future use or exclusion. One embodiment of the system records each telephone call, enabling the process to be performed using a single call to each telephone number.