How do you deal with telemarketers?

Answer 1

As soon as I connect the call (seeing it's a telemarketer, "unknown number" or unwanted call from the Caller ID) I hit the Mute button and let the call sit there until they hang up. They usually use automated calling systems, so they don't have the ability to hit redial or call you back, so it generally provides at least a brief reprieve, without having to get into any debate. Don't believe that the National Do Not Call Registry takes care of them all-generally there is some fine print in your contracts and agreements such that if you are even one day late, or take advantage of a "Special Offer", you've unwittingly given them permission to annoy you. The registry worked for me for maybe 6 months, and now they're back with a vengenance.

Answer 2

I don't get many telemarketers calling because of the no call law but when I do I put the phone down and go about my business and let them ramble on to no one.

Answer 3

I used to immediately say "I'm not interested" and hang up without giving them a chance to say anything or ask them to hold on for a second and just lay the phone down and walk away. They get the point then. Now, there's a state law and I'm on the "No-Call" list, so I don't even get those calls! Sweet!!!

Answer 4

Put your name and number on the do not call list. Works for me. I don't get telemarketers calling my house or cellular.

Answer 5

Well I could go on and on for days here. But here are a few of my favorite ideas...

1) If I'm not busy and looking for a good laugh, I keep them on the phone as long as possible. I happen to know that most companies do not allow the telemarketer to hang up on you, YOU must end the call first. Even if you say bye, they wait for you to hang up. Keep this in mind. I carry on totally unrelated conversations and keep asking the same questions over and over about prices and say what a good deal it would be. I tell them to hang on while I look at TV and come back after a few minutes and say, "sorry I was taking a dump and had a big one...now what were you saying?" You know, anything odd like that really cracks me up.

2) Give them fake information. A lot of times they'll say stuff like we are doing a promotion in your area and blah, blah, blah...right then you know that they don't know your name or address. Act like you are interested as long as you can and then give them names like Fred Flintstone at 123 Bedrock Place. Or give them an ex-bf/gf's name and number and address. It doesn't matter if you are a guy and give them a girls name, they usually dont ask questions. Let them get the calls from now on out.

3) Act like you are interested and tell them you really want what ever they are selling and them when they ask for credit card information, tell them you filed for bankruptcy and they took all your credit cards away.

4) When people call selling magazines I ask for obscure titled pornographic magazines. Not Playboy, Penthouse, or Hustler, ask for Juggs, or Big Butt, Barely Legal, Over 50, Muff, Black Beauties, or even ask for gay porn magazines. That'll usually get them so flustered they won't know what to do anymore.

5) If you don't have time to talk....go over to your smoke detector and press the test button....scream frantically that you have a FIRE! Put the phone down by the TV and walk away....remember, most of the time, they won't hang up if they still hear things in the background. I once did this and watched a movie on TV. I came back over an hour later and they were still connected!!

6) I get collection calls for someone that used to have my phone number. I tell them to hang on, I put the phone down and wait about 3 minutes. I get back on the phone and tell them they have a wrong number. Usually those guys get REALLY pissed off. Sometimes I tell them that I AM that person and that I'm never going to pay them. I spent all my money on crack or whatever and they should take my sorry *** to court or something. Or maybe something like I ain't paying nobody else, I haven't paid you...what makes you think I'm going to pay you now? They hate that and make all kinds of threats. I laugh and make fart noises in the phone.

Like I said, I could go on and on for days here...but I hope this gives you some ideas to go on and gives you hours of entertainment the next time one calls! Good luck!

Answer 6

I like to have phone sex with the telemarketer against thier will.


"We'd like to tell you about this special offer for new customers"

"oooh yeah tell me baby"

"for a limited time we can offer you a 40% discount on such and such product with no payments for blah blah"

(panting) Ooh s*** tell me more Oh f*** yeah (more heavy breathing and panting)

"And if you act now..."

"uuhhhh"

"we can also throw in..."

"s***"

"a free subscription..."

"oh god tell me more"

"sir is this a bad time?"

"no don't stop I'm almost there UUUUGGGHHHHH!!"

"Sir?"

(click)

Thats about how it goes

Answer 7

If its a recording of some kind: "Click" If its a real person.... start selling them something of yours, anything, like some made up product or your sofa....

Get an "Unpublished" ph. #

Tell them to remove your number from their list.

Now, if you like them..... Be friendly and courtious, wait for them to say what they need to say and be polite throughout the conversation and don't forget to say thank you at the end!

Answer 8

I file a complaint against them.

Telemarketing is illegal by both federal and state law now. Or rather, it is illegal for them to call anyone who is registered on the do not call lists, like I am.

Answer 9

Kindly listen to their open line.... then ask for the name of thier company and thier name... then ask them to take you off thier calling list.. make sure you keep thier name and & number for future referance if they call you back then you've got a lawsuit in your favor.. By law they are to not call you agian..

Answer 10

Just politely tell them you're not interested and it's customary for them to try a second time. So after the second not interested and they don't say OK, just hang up.