I figured out how to make telemarketers stop calling...

[conuly]

Convince them you're crazy. Seriously, I managed to do that a couple of weeks ago (I swear it was an accident) and they haven't called back since. That company had been calling twice a day, too!

Phone: Ring, ring!
Me: groggily Hello?
Telemarketer: Hi, can I speak to Jennifer Baker please?
M: I'm sorry, she's not here right now, can I take a message?
T: Well, I'm calling with *longdistancecompany* and we're having an offer *blahblahblah*
M: Oh, well, she doesn't live here anymore (true, and I thought it might shut her up)
T: Oh... well, who pays the phone bill?
M: My mom.
T: Can I speak to he-
M: But she's not here either and we really don't want long distance.
T: Bu-
M: And no I can't explain why she pays the phone bill but it's not in her name?
T: Okay. Well, can I say who is speaking for our records?
M: Her OTHER daughter.
T: silence
M: Who doesn't know why you're asking that....
T: (very rushed) Well, you have a good night ma'am, okay ma'am? I'll be going now ma'am.
P: click

Honestly, I was dead tired when she called, I didn't *mean* to freak her out, but I obviously did because they haven't called back yet and it's been two weeks.

Comments

[meteorie.livejournal.com]

Telemarketers are FUN! I wish my mom hadn't blocked all of them; she never let me have a go at them, always grabbed the phone and hung up, as if that really worked. A simple one is to just say "Hang on a second" and see how long they REALLY hold. If you're bored, argue with them.. why do I need your long distance service? But this one is better; I saw the ads. How much do you get paid for this? Etc. etc. Acting crazy is really good though; I'll have to try that if any telemarketers call and my mom doesn't snatch the phone away..