The phone rings and I answer it noticing that there is no number in the caller ID window area. Just "Out of area."
A recording begins. It claims to offer me 6 % interest on "all my credit card accounts" If I am interested in this offer press 9, and I will be directed to a LIVE representative. If I want to be permanently deleted from the calling list, Press 8. Of course I press 8 (do they think I just fell off the turnip truck?) When I press 8 I hear a buzz and the prerecorded voice says. "Sorry, That is NOT a valid entry"
This same call keeps on and on as weeks pass and I get tired of going to answer the phone, or ignore it when I see the incomplete caller ID. I have no way to report the calling number as it is not listed on caller ID. I get more irritated and decide one day after another month of at least biweekly calls from these nit wits that I WILL go ahead and press 9 and get to speak to a "live representative and try to get their phone number.
I press 9..."Hello" she says. "this is Michelle. Are you calling about getting 6 % interest on your credit cards?"
I tell her NO. but you MUST take me off your calling list.
Wham! She hangs up.
I keep getting the calls at least twice a week. I finally decide that I will speak to a "live representative again" I press 9
"Hello, This is Fran, are you calling about getting 6% interest on your credit cards.
Yes I am, How does this work? Do I give you my credit card numbers?
"Oh no,not at all. You simply give us the numbers of at least one Visa and one Master card."
Well, I say, it will take me awhile to locate my credit cards. Give me YOUR number and I will call YOU back.
WHAM..Fran hangs up.
The calls continue. One day I decide I will try a new approach. I press 9 and get a live rep.
"Hello, this is Debra. Are you calling about 6 % interest on your credit cards?"
Well, yes I am but also I am just SOOO lonely with no body around here to talk to and I just wondered if you would talk to me awhile?
( I use my best creaky and confused voice imitation)
"Well sure I will," Debra replies"
I say, thank you so very very much . You just don't know how lonely it can get living alone with just my 12 year old cat, Maybelle, to talk to all day.
Debra says "I bet that is lonely"
That's the god's truth, I say. And especially since I am down with my back after having my gall bladder out. The doctor said it was big as a melon. I been having some stomach upset and having to take too much Maalox for the pain and all the burping.
Debra said "Well I hope you get better soon"
Well bless your heart Debra. You are such a nice girl. But I have to tell you this Debra.,I am talking to you when I should not and I don't know what to do. what do you think I should do? . (My voice quivers)
Debra says" I don't know"
Well you see honey, I just haven't been right ever since Frank Junior run off with the Coke cans, newspapers and string I had been saving up for about 6 years. That boy has a mean streak he got from his Daddy.
"Oh," says Debra.
I just have to fess up and tell you, Debra, that I told you a little white lie because I just wanted somebody to talk to and all. You see I don't have any credit cards anymore and....
WHAM!!!!! Debra hangs up on me?
I wonder what I said?
(they don't call; they don't write anymore)
15 comments:
Fabulous. What a load of fun that must have been.
To forestall any future calls, do you know about the federal do not call list. You just sign up your number and telemarketers are subject to HUGE fines if they call.
Visit Do Not Call Registry
I always thought you were clever but now I know for sure, you are brilliant!!!!!!
I signed up for the do not call list, but we still get some calls that show up on the id as Out of Area or private. Usually they are political ads - or the fraternal order of police asking for a donation to the club. We finally learned not to answer anything we don't recognize. If it is important, they will leave a message.
YOU ARE MY HERO CHANCY! Priceless. I wish I could have seen Debra's face.
I HATE THESE CALLS. They keep coming and coming. I just signed up again on the Do Not Call Registry....don't think it's gone into effect yet because I still get a few of these Out of Area calls too. I've asked them to take me off of their lists too.
Now that is a creative solution, Chancy!!! Mind if I steal it? lol
You are my hero!
Now that's a fabulous idea! How did you keep from giggling?
All
Thanks for the comments.
The only reason I kept answering the phone when the caller ID reads out "out of area" is this. My daughter is out of state and her husband signed them up for a "creative solution" to long distance calls and changed them to some sort of computer based phone system. This reads "out of area" and the number but sometimes I don't have my glasses on when I answer and therefore don't want to miss her calls.
And also. like Pavlov's dog. I respond well to bells. :)
And I did have to stiffle giggles while talking to "Debra"
I will let you know if they call back.
Thanks Ronni
We were already registered on a do not call site but I registered again. It doesn't hurt to be safe.
Janet(AKA CHANCY)
I laughed out loud reading this -- what fun! Isn't it swell to torture them back?
So, I just have to know -- did they keep calling you?
Wonderful. I like to mess with their minds, too.
The timing is perfect.. I just hung up on yet another telemarketer. I too am so tired of these calls.. but your story had me chuckling.
Chancy,
What a clever idea. Years ago, I used to hand the phone to my two year old who loved to talk to anyone. He listened and babbled and had a good time.
I am on the No Call Registry, but I too, get those support your local police or fire department. I tell them I would love to help, but my daughter who is an Officer has asked me to get a call back number so that she can donate, too. They hang up quickly.
I received a call several times a week where they left a message regarding some legal matter for a name I didn't know. Something abut an upcoming court case! For some reason I was never home when the phone rang and they didn't have caller ID. This thing went on for MONTHS until finally they stopped.
Tabor
FANTASTIC! Way to go Chancy.
I keep getting calls with an actual name and number, so I answer, and a computer says "Hold for an important message." Does anybody actually hold?
Post a Comment