Telemarketers

Postby drawscore » Mon Jul 28, 2014 2:44 pm

Are you tired of getting calls from telemarketers? From politicians? I was, too, but I have found a way to get my name and phone number removed from their lists, and I'm happy to share it with you.

The next time your caller ID feature shows you an unknown name or number, pick up the phone, and, in an exaggerated whisper, say "It's done, but there's blood everywhere!" and hang up.

No need to thank me. I do this as a public service.

Drawscore

Re: Telemarketers

Postby xtc » Mon Jul 28, 2014 2:56 pm

An anonymous friend of mine was called by a conservatory firm. He had nothing better to do so he engaged the caller in conversation. He asked relevant questions and, after some time, the caller tried to arrange a meeting to sort out the details. Following the provision of his address (just as if the caller didn't know it), he added, "Do you think it will matter that I live in a third-floor flat?" He did!

Then there is always Stephen Fry's opening gambit, "Oh hello, have I told you about my friend, Jesus Christ?"
Boxer shorts are cool,
but little speedos rule!

More by the same author: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=22729

Re: Telemarketers

Postby Kyle » Tue Jul 29, 2014 6:44 pm

I answered in Spanish once. They hung up.

Usually though if I'm getting bugged repeatedly I'll just hit the answer button and put the phone down near the stereo.

Re: Telemarketers

Postby truly_trussed » Wed Jul 30, 2014 6:19 am

Saw something online today. It said hand the phone to your 3 year old and tell him / her it's Santa Claus on the line.

Re: Telemarketers

Postby misterg792000 » Wed Jul 30, 2014 1:01 pm

When I lived at home, a telemarketer asked for my mother. I said she wasn't there, but made brief, pleasant small talk with the telemarketer. He ended by saying he'd call her back later. But I had one more question.

"Before you go, can I ask you one favor, man?"
"Yes sir?"
"Please don't tell her I was in her house."

The awkward silence followed by the hangup was exquisite.

Re: Telemarketers

Postby capturedsuperhero » Wed Jul 30, 2014 2:25 pm

misterg i love that response!
Arrogant Superhero here, Looking for a Nasty Villain!!!!

Re: Telemarketers

Postby staythirstymyfriends » Sat Sep 27, 2014 9:52 pm

Donotcall.gov is a joke. Hasn't done much of anything for me. And it never covered charities or political groups anyhow. Sign up if you want, but you're likely to be disappointed with the results. Better ideas include:

-blow a whistle into the receiver. Guaranteed to work and cause pain :p
-talk, talk, talk. Telemarketers are paid by how many sales they make. The longer you keep them on the line, the fewer calls they can finish.
-alternately, let them talk, then tell them you have to do whatever, and that you'll brb. Then come back, do the same again after a few seconds. After 10-12 minutes, you've messed up their whole day when you finally say "No!" :p
-weird small talk, as above, is always a winner. However, talking about blood, being in someone's house, etc., or anything ghoulish like that only works with one caller at a time, so be ready to do it over and over. Pretty much applies to any such counter-effort.
-threaten to report the caller, company, everything to the FCC. Why not? You'll disturb the caller...

Best to all in ridding the world of the cancer of telemarketing...
Is it any different to be tied up vs being tied down? One of the great things about English, its flexibility :p

Re: Telemarketers

Postby tony2 » Sat Sep 27, 2014 11:35 pm

Stay....
The federal Do Not Call number is very real and fines are imposed for violations. I ran a Century 21 real estate office and was a broker instructor. We took it very seriously. Just a FYI.

Another tool you might use is as they are just finishing up, say you really got confused, would they please repeat it? See how long you can mess up their call hit timing. Have fun guys.
If you believe in yourself enough -
nobody else will figure out you're faking it.


ANTS viewtopic.php?f=85&t=22496
Talk is cheap viewtopic.php?f=78&t=21971