ok...i know there have to be some people in here that just hate telemarketers. i got called 3 times just this morning from MCI about switching my long distance carrier. I think telemarketing is very rude. I know that make that telezapper thing and i have a friend who uses one and he says it works. i just haven't gotten around to buying one. these people actually woke me up this morning (my day might start a little later than most people's). now i just get downright nasty with them and hang up.
Telemarketers
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GN One Day...
Senior Member
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Realized I've been paying MCI $9.99/mo for service, and we don't make any out of state calls. I'm going to cut them off and just use the cell, or a 1010 #. Not looking forward to all the telemarketing calls, but I think I can have some fun. Pay all those Worldcom stock holders back and then I'll switch back. 
Saw that Telezapper at Wally World, almost bought it. $35, I think.
I've been on dial up for about a year, and just went back to DSL. I haven't had *any* telemarketer calls so far. No one could reach us since I'd always have the computer on the line at night. I guess they'd get so many busy signals that they took us off the list. I also had our names removed from the lists the credit bureaus sell, and other lists they do, so maybe that helps a little bit.
Saw that Telezapper at Wally World, almost bought it. $35, I think. I've been on dial up for about a year, and just went back to DSL. I haven't had *any* telemarketer calls so far. No one could reach us since I'd always have the computer on the line at night. I guess they'd get so many busy signals that they took us off the list. I also had our names removed from the lists the credit bureaus sell, and other lists they do, so maybe that helps a little bit.
I understand how most peopel hate telemarketers, but as long as i have some spare time i love them, its great entertainment. theres the easiest and possible funniest way of playing games with them, when they call and ask for mr... you just say hold on a minute while you "look for him" then check back in with them ever minute or so just to see if there still around. Then theres the sinfield answer. they call and you tsll them that its a bad time and askf ro their home number to call them back when its better for you, you would be suprised how mad thoes people get when you do that. My favorite, but hardest to not screw up is turning the tables on them. they call and ask you to listen to their spiel about whatever there selling, you ask them if you can ask them a few questions first, there sopoust be be nice so they almost always say yes. you ask them what company they work for, what a good number is to call them back at if you get disconnected and like the product, ask where there calling from who long they have worked there, they will usually answer all that without a problem, then you start askign personal questions, where they live what their home phone number is what their dogs name is and the reaction from them is almost always worth the work. so next time they call and you have some time, play mind games with them.
I just don't get it. We PAY for telephone service and it is a PRIVATE line, right? Why do we have to put up with calls we didn't invite?
It should be illegal for a company to call us unless we either:
1. Give them our phone number as a reference.
2. We invite them to call.
I understand that legislation had passed so that we can PAY to stay off their lists! WRONGO! It shouldn't cost us a dime, we ALREADY PAY for a private line.
With that said, I think that these companies should offer FREE phone service to those who are willing to accept the calls. It's kinda like network TV. It's free, but we have to deal with the ads.
Don't get me started about cable TV. We pay, but still get to watch the ads. ?????
It should be illegal for a company to call us unless we either:
1. Give them our phone number as a reference.
2. We invite them to call.
I understand that legislation had passed so that we can PAY to stay off their lists! WRONGO! It shouldn't cost us a dime, we ALREADY PAY for a private line.
With that said, I think that these companies should offer FREE phone service to those who are willing to accept the calls. It's kinda like network TV. It's free, but we have to deal with the ads.
Don't get me started about cable TV. We pay, but still get to watch the ads. ?????
- Joined
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*77
Most telemarketers block their identities so they do not show on call waiding and caller ID.
If you enter *77 in the correct sequence, your number will not accept calls from blocked numbers.
Look in your phone book for the procedure to refuse blocked callers. That will eliminate more than half the telemarketers.
Most telemarketers block their identities so they do not show on call waiding and caller ID.
If you enter *77 in the correct sequence, your number will not accept calls from blocked numbers.
Look in your phone book for the procedure to refuse blocked callers. That will eliminate more than half the telemarketers.
GN One Day...
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 28, 2001
- Messages
- 1,686
We still get them as "out of area" or "unknown", even with the call refusal turned on. We got tired of paying for the call manager that makes them say who they are before letting the call through. Worked though. If they wouldn't say who they are you never hear the phone ring, they get cut off.
My old roommate had one of those Sony SportsPhones (that's what I liked to call it. Basically, it was a waterproof phone for the pool.) If you have the guts enough to do it (and we did many a time) drop it in the toilet (preferably before usage) then pull the old lever. On the other end of the phone, they hear quite a SWOOSH. After 4 or 5 telemarketers were "flushed" we didn't hear from them for over a year.
turbojimmy
Supporting Member
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- May 26, 2001
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- 5,560
For $5.95 a month, or as part of a Veriations package, Verizon will provide "Call Intercept". Best thing I ever did. As mentioned above, it makes unknown callers record their name before they get through. Not one telemarketer to date has had the gonads (or patience) to wait to see if you'll accept their call. You can give a PIN to friends/relatives who come up unknown. They can then blow right past the block.
Jim
lyonsd
Active Member
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- May 24, 2001
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Hmmm...I had always wondered if anybody other than myself felt that way.
- Joined
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- 1,598
I like my mother's approach:
***ring***
"hello"...
"Hi, I'm with Acme roofing & long distance, and..."
<click>
***ring***
"hello"...
"Hi, I'm with Acme roofing & long distance, and..."
<click>
turbojimmy
Supporting Member
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- 5,560
That's true....but you probably don't have to pay for very long. I'd suspect after a few months you'd be off most lists because they can't reach you. I haven't tested that theory, though.....
Jim
I have ringmaster. The "second" phone number is unlisted and unpublished. I give this number to family and friends and instruct them to keep it to themselves for "I'll hunt you down and gut you like a fish!". Anyhoo, I don't ever answer the main line unless I'm expecting a call (never). Funny how about 90% of the calls to that number don't leave a message on the machine.
If I get a sales call on the second number(rare), I kindly ask them to take the number off their list. I also keep records of when I ask them and who it is.
Sometimes (usually after a beverage or 2), I'll answer the main line just to have fun with them.
If I get a sales call on the second number(rare), I kindly ask them to take the number off their list. I also keep records of when I ask them and who it is.
Sometimes (usually after a beverage or 2), I'll answer the main line just to have fun with them.
Wanna buy the local newspaper
I too hate these telemarketers. They seem to have radar as to when your hands are full with grease and important car parts when they call. Little over 6 months ago the local newspaper was calling every number in our exchange where I work to try selling the newspaper. Here's the situation:
An office building in downtown Pittsburgh, suit and tie place, I'm on the 21st floor. A coworkers phone rings and he dumps the sales pitch and announces "The Post Gazette is calling for subscriptions again". About 15 minutes later as I sit at my desk, my phone rings with an outside call.....
Me: Hello
TM: Hello, I'm calling from the Post Gazette, how are you today?
Me: Just fine.
TM: Oh, that's good to hear. Do you currently get the paper?
Me: No, I don't.
TM: Oh, we have a special you may be interested in. Blah blah subscription rates...Would you be interested?
Me: Sure. But I have one question first.
TM: Sure, what is it?
Me: How do you deliver the paper if I subscribe? Can it be delivered by air mail?
TM: Air mail?
Me: Yes, air mail. I'm on the 21st floor and the mailbox is way too high for anyone to reach from the ground.
TM: {A deafening silence is heard for about 30 seconds before [click]}
Me: Hello? Hello?
Yes, I have achieved a state of telemarketing zen...I got the telemarketer to hang up on me! Oh what a great feeling!
Dan
I too hate these telemarketers. They seem to have radar as to when your hands are full with grease and important car parts when they call. Little over 6 months ago the local newspaper was calling every number in our exchange where I work to try selling the newspaper. Here's the situation:
An office building in downtown Pittsburgh, suit and tie place, I'm on the 21st floor. A coworkers phone rings and he dumps the sales pitch and announces "The Post Gazette is calling for subscriptions again". About 15 minutes later as I sit at my desk, my phone rings with an outside call.....
Me: Hello
TM: Hello, I'm calling from the Post Gazette, how are you today?
Me: Just fine.
TM: Oh, that's good to hear. Do you currently get the paper?
Me: No, I don't.
TM: Oh, we have a special you may be interested in. Blah blah subscription rates...Would you be interested?
Me: Sure. But I have one question first.
TM: Sure, what is it?
Me: How do you deliver the paper if I subscribe? Can it be delivered by air mail?
TM: Air mail?
Me: Yes, air mail. I'm on the 21st floor and the mailbox is way too high for anyone to reach from the ground.
TM: {A deafening silence is heard for about 30 seconds before [click]}
Me: Hello? Hello?
Yes, I have achieved a state of telemarketing zen...I got the telemarketer to hang up on me!
Oh what a great feeling!Dan
