Despite a “do not call registry,” we’re still getting billions of telemarketing calls every year. If you can’t beat ’em, play around with ’em!
• Ask them to spell their name. Then ask them to spell the company name. Then ask them where the company located and how that’s spelled. Ask them to speak slowly and to repeat each spelling.
• If they ask how you’re doing, take that as a sign they’re trained in therapy and begin unloading all your troubles. Heap it on them. After all, they asked.
• Insist that the caller is really your buddy Gus, playing a joke. “Come on, Gus, cut it out! Seriously, Gus, how’s your mom? Did you get that goldfish I left on your front porch? You wanna catch a movie this weekend?”
• When the salesperson asks, “Is this the homeowner?” say, “Is this the salesperson?” And when they say yes, hang up.