What's a fun way to handle an unwanted call from a telemarketer?

Question

I'm looking for something creative, but not rude or nasty.

Answer 1

Engage them in a long, complicated, convoluted discussion about religion or politics. Argue your point and make them give good reasons for their opinions. As much as they want to get off the phone, don't let them. Mostly they don't call back after that.

Answer 2

i can't help you there.rude and nasty is the only way i know to be in that situation.i had one that kept bugging one time and i whispered into the phone "don't bother me while i'm cutting up these bodies! i'm naked and covered in vaseline,come on over let's party!"they didn't bother me anymore after that.you can also keep a police window handy.it'll make it hard for them to call back if there gun shy.last but not least just cuss them or get an unpublished # like i did.

Answer 3

I read somewhere, that they pretended they were the cops at a scene of a criminal investigation, and they started questioning the telemarketer, for example:

This is Detective So&So, why are you calling Mr.or Mrs.(Your Last Name), you are now, a suspect in this criminal investigation,,. what is the purpose of your call, ... and so on asking questions about the purpose of the call to this person, who is now under investigation or something like that.

Answer 4

if you are overly concerned with being politically correct than I suggest you don't read this...I have a friend of mine who pretends to be mentally handicapped when they call. The conversation goes like this:
Hi. I'm George. Have you seen my brudder Harry? Don't tell Harry I'm on da phone, or he'll get mad. He'll he'll he'll hit me real hard if he knows I'm on da phone. Don't tell Harry ok? You won't tell Harry I'm on da phone will you. S-s-sometimes he he he hits me real hard I'm not supposed to be on da phone. Do you like pizza? I like pizza. I like pizza with with mushrooms, um sausage....
Usually by this time the telemarketer hangs up.
He has a million other things he does to them too, email me if you want to hear more of them.

Answer 5

Put them on hold the way they do you.Give them some slow classical music.They usually get the message.As far as being rude.Sometimes you must.They are taught to be ruthless and not take no for an answer.

Answer 6

Tell the that you are not interested in what they are offering and if they can be so kindly as to take your name off the call list. then tell them have a nice day and hang up

Answer 7

Tell them your busy right now, but if they could give you their home number you'll return the call tomorrow. Most will say, of course, that they can't give you their home number, or don't like to be called at home, and you can reply with "but you called me at home". Usually leaves them speechless.

Answer 8

Sometimes I answer, "Domino's Pizza, would you like to try our special of five toppings for $8.99?" Other times, I speak with a British accent which totally throws them for a loop.

Answer 9

answer and put the phone down...most telemarketers are just machines!

Answer 10

If you are in the U.S., tell him/her that you are on the "Do not call list" and that phone call just cost them $2,000 in fines. Then hang up.