Telemarketers

[Frank Lee]

What can be done to stop them?

[Superfuelgero]

Do not call list, then small claims.

Or, do what I do; Save the phone numbers as "call when drunk". Then whenever your completely wasted, you are encouraged to call them instead of an ex-girlfriend.

[Frank Lee]

I've been on the DNC list for a long time and it is hard to tell the difference in call frequency from before to after. In other words, it only keeps the honest telemarketers out.

I don't have caller I.D., I'm not gonna pay for that.

How do you get their number or identity? Caller I.D. numbers are often spoofed, and when you ask them they hang up. I find it hilarious that they expect people to do business with an outfit that refuses to identify themselves. However, they are able to succeed because evidently there are millions and millions of idiots that actually do give them "business", otherwise they wouldn't be there.

[Superfuelgero]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I've been on the DNC list for a long time and it is hard to tell the difference in call frequency from before to after. In other words, it only keeps the honest telemarketers out.

I don't have caller I.D., I'm not gonna pay for that.

Ask them what their wearing, and seem very interested. Then interupt them and ask them again what they're wearing.

Just treat them as the ultimate opportunity for improv. Put a skit on for them. You do have to remember though, this is generally the job of people on their last choice for employment. so have fun, and give them something to talk about in an otherwise tedious and depressing job.

Call block?

You have to renew the DNC, I found that out when I started getting them again.

My method works well for getting payback for these, and craigslist scammers. When I was younger the "for a good tie call xxxx, leave message" in truckstop bathrooms worked well, but now I resist the temptation to deface private property.

[Frank Lee]

I've tried several methods but Rachel in particular is so UNRELENTLESS.

I've tried politely requesting to be put on THEIR DNC list.

I've tried pressing the number that supposedly removes me from the call list.

I've tried feigning interest in their "service" to string them along, wasting as much of their time as possible. Occasionally that works, but many of them simply cut it short and hang up.

I've asked them for the business name; they usually hang up.

I've tried pressing the phone dial keys as they tried to speak to me.

I've given them fake credit card numbers.

I've told them, "Let me go get my wallet" and then set the phone down. I'll hang it up, oh, 20 minutes later.

My current tactic is to get the robocall, press the number that gets me to a live operator, then yell "**** OFF" into the phone as they are speaking.

But they still keep calling.

P.S. For the longest time I even told everyone I knew that I was letting my answering machine screen my calls, so please let my machine answer, I.D. yourself, then I'll pick up. That didn't work either.

[Superfuelgero]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I've tried several methods but Rachel in particular is so UNRELENTLESS.

I've tried politely requesting to be put on THEIR DNC list.

I've tried pressing the number that supposedly removes me from the call list.

I've tried feigning interest in their "service" to string them along, wasting as much of their time as possible. Occasionally that works, but many of them simply cut it short and hang up.

I've asked them for the business name; they usually hang up.

I've tried pressing the phone dial keys as they tried to speak to me.

My current tactic is to get the robocall, press the number that gets me to a live operator, then yell "**** OFF" into the phone as they are speaking.

But they still keep calling.

Every time you answer, you are confirming this a working number. This in turn places you on their list, and everyone they sell it to.

If you had caller Id, you could save the numbers to your phone. Then when they call, play the "dunno doo, this number has been disconnected" from a tape recorder. Since most are robo dialed, this flag your number as a bad number.

[vrmouseyd15b]

I really like the ask them what they're wearing idea!

You could try and tell this Rachel that she sounds hot, etc. . Offer to meet her at some fancy restaurant and never show up

[Frank Lee]

What I'd really like is for the NSA and targeted drone strikes to finally be put to good use against Rachel and her ilk.

[vrmouseyd15b]

That would be so cool. Until then I guess it'll have to be show time at the Apollo at your house.

Work on your impersonations, get some accents going. A couple characters you can jump into :-)

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by xntrx

Do not call list, then small claims.

At www.donotcall.gov you can quickly verify if your number(s) are on the DNC List. Mine has been on there continuously since 2006, without renewal. FWIW.

Re: small claims: WHO do I bring to small claims and what do I charge them with?

Originally Posted by xntrx

You have to renew the DNC, I found that out when I started getting them again.

Not after '07: http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press...emarketers-pay

Originally Posted by xntrx

Every time you answer, you are confirming this a working number. This in turn places you on their list, and everyone they sell it to.

I know that is true but as noted, you can not answer any of these calls for a long, long time and that doesn't seem to slow 'em down one bit. I wonder if there even is a call list; perhaps they just continually cycle through a computerized phone number generator.