Cold callers

[ClichéGuevara]

Any fun tips for dealing with these unwelcome callers?

I've tried the telephone preference service and they're next to useless.

Anyone work for one that knows a way of screwing them up?

Had one call me tonight, so I did my usual, keep them talking, ask to put through to the boss and then ask for their database supplier. Amazing how they insist on the right to their own confidentiality.

The boss today made me laugh, she said if I kept asking questions, she'd just hang up. I pointed out it was a ridiculous threat given I didn't want her to ring me in the first place.

 

[ianrauk]

Put the phone next to a radio or the TV, let them speak to that.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I get between 2 - 5 a day everyday and I have been on the TPS for years, it doesn't seem to make any difference these days and most now are just PPI recordings left on the answer machine.

As far as I am concerned the Phone Service Providers should make it impossible for people to withhold numbers, and make it so you can just log into your account online and blacklist unwanted numbers or make it available straight from the phone handset. Of course this will never happen because they all make lots of money off these callers.

 

[roadrash]

I usually say ... im busy at the moment but if you give me YOUR HOME NUMBER , i will call you back later...

them....ooh i cant give you my home number...
me.........well thats hardly fair seeing as YOUVE FEKIN GOT MINE

 

[ClichéGuevara]

Put the phone next to a radio or the TV, let them speak to that.

I used to give the phone to my daughter, but they're not two years old forever. It doesn't stop them ringing back either.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Any fun tips for dealing with these unwelcome callers?

I've tried the telephone preference service and they're next to useless.

Anyone work for one that knows a way of screwing them up?

Had one call me tonight, so I did my usual, keep them talking, ask to put through to the boss and then ask for their database supplier. Amazing how they insist on the right to their own confidentiality.

The boss today made me laugh, she said if I kept asking questions, she'd just hang up. I pointed out it was a ridiculous threat given I didn't want her to ring me in the first place.

Ask them to describe their underwear and to rub their phone against it. Usually works but you might get the odd weirdo.

GC

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Put the phone next to a radio or the TV, let them speak to that.

But ensure you first ask them to wait, while you put the baby down (or some other plausible-sounding excuse). Then they'll be sure to listen to the radio for longer .

 

[ClichéGuevara]

I usually say ... im busy at the moment but if you give me YOUR HOME NUMBER , i will call you back later...

them....ooh i cant give you my home number...
me.........well thats hardly fair seeing as YOUVE FEKIN GOT MINE

I've asked for their home address so I can pass on all the other "fantastic" offers they push into my house. Surprisingly, they didn't want them.

 

[DRHysted]

WE were getting at least 6 a day up until yesterday.
Monday afternoon I started asking their company name, contact number, name of operator. Then I pointed out that they had called a number on the "no call" list, and in doing so they were breaching the telephone regulations, I then asked if they liked breaking the law and if they were prepared to accept the consequences. All done politely, no raised voice, I even removed the sarcastic tone from my voice (this took a lot of effort).
Tuesday I had 2 calls, yesterday none. We'll see how long it lasts.

 

[ianrauk]

WE were getting at least 6 a day up until yesterday.
Monday afternoon I started asking their company name, contact number, name of operator. Then I pointed out that they had called a number on the "no call" list, and in doing so they were breaching the telephone regulations, I then asked if they liked breaking the law and if they were prepared to accept the consequences. All done politely, no raised voice, I even removed the sarcastic tone from my voice (this took a lot of effort).
Tuesday I had 2 calls, yesterday none. We'll see how long it lasts.

Also say to them that you are recording the call... that put's the frighteners on them.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

WE were getting at least 6 a day up until yesterday.
Monday afternoon I started asking their company name, contact number, name of operator. Then I pointed out that they had called a number on the "no call" list, and in doing so they were breaching the telephone regulations, I then asked if they liked breaking the law and if they were prepared to accept the consequences. All done politely, no raised voice, I even removed the sarcastic tone from my voice (this took a lot of effort).
Tuesday I had 2 calls, yesterday none. We'll see how long it lasts.

If it's like when I did that, it's about a month for the UK based ones.

 

[steveindenmark]

I am quite lucky being in Denmark as most the time I just ask if they speak English and that puts 50% off. If they can speak English I ask if they can enter my comments on a screen and they usually can. I asked to be removed from their list and ask for it to be noted. I then tell them to type on the screen that if anyone else calls they will be told to...............

I get very few calls.

How do they all know what time I sit down for my tea. As soon as the plate is on the table, the phone rings.

 

[TissoT]

Try using a whistle ... And blow it down the phone ..

 

[classic33]

Also say to them that you are recording the call... that put's the frighteners on them.

Doesn't always work. I've played part of the call back to one caller, who just carried on as though it wasn't been done.


Point out the fact that they have a legal obligation to check the data they are using is correct, upto date & that they have permission to use it, when they receive it. Correct before they use it and that the onus on that last part, legally comes down on the person making the call.
If they can't answer ask for their Data Manager. A number is the minimum they are allowed to give.

 

[pplpilot]

Any fun tips for dealing with these unwelcome callers?

There is only one way...