Latest telemarketing trick

[Stonehead]

I've just had an off-shore call centre try to get my personal details by saying they were doing "marketing research for the Department for Work and Pensions". Likely story - not least because the department would already have my details on file!

Mind you, when I tried to report it to the department, I found the website has such narrow criteria for contacting them that I gave up and passed the details on to my MP instead.

How many people will get caught by this one?

[Martin]

I let them get as far as "We're doing a surv............." - and tell them where to stuff their survey in somewhat basic terms, then slam the 'phone down!

[Muddypause]

I've had this little speech worked out for a while now, but in fact most unknown callers get the answering machine first, until they identify themselves, so I haven't had the chance to try it:

Them: "Hello, we're some generically fictitious company doing market research or sales, or somesuch, and would like to ask you a few questions, or otherwise waste your time."

Me: "Our current charges are £50 per ten questions, or £125 per five minutes of consultation. Are you already registered with us, or is this your first contact?"

Them: (Anticipate a moment's hesitation).

Me: (Recite this bit as if reading it for the 100th time) "If you are registered, I will need your registration number and password. If this is your first call, you first need to register with us at a cost of £75. All charges are subject to VAT. I can accept payment by credit card or direct debit. I will need your personal name, address and telephone number to verify the registration details. How would you like to pay?"

Them: "Err... (some useless attemp to re-engage you into their script)"

Me: "I'm sorry, I can't consult with you, or answer any questions prior to verified registration and payment"

Etc...

[hedgewizard]

Thanks for the warning Stoney. That reminds me I have to telephone the telephone preference service because I got a junk call earlier. The TPS can stop all junk calls to subscribed households in 28 days, barring rogue traders and they explain how to complain to the enforcing body the ICO about such calls (if you're on the TPS list, cold calls to your number are illegal). The TPS is free.

The mailing preference service can do the same for junk mail, and there are links on the TPS site.

[Stonehead]

Thanks for the warning Stoney. That reminds me I have to telephone the telephone preference service because I got a junk call earlier. The TPS can stop all junk calls to subscribed households in 28 days, barring rogue traders and they explain how to complain to the enforcing body the ICO about such calls (if you're on the TPS list, cold calls to your number are illegal). The TPS is free.

The mailing preference service can do the same for junk mail, and there are links on the TPS site.

Unfortunately, the TPS only works if the company is UK-based or operating on behalf of a UK company. If it's an overseas company with no UK on-shore operation they can keep pestering you.

[hedgewizard]

Wow, I didn't know that. Happily in the last 3 years I've only had this one call, so they must be doing something right!

[Shirley]

I have registered with the TPS and have received UK based calls... when challenged, the caller tends to apologise profusely and promise not to call again.

MP - I rather like the planned response...!!

[hedgewizard]

Nice Muddy, nice!

Telecomms act says that if you ask someone to stop calling you they are obliged to do so. If they keep doing it and you contact the ICO with the times of the calls, they get a hefty fine - but as Stoney says it only works for UK companies.

[Wombat]

Muddy...........love it!

We pay $6 a month for caller ID on our new phone, any that come up as "out of area" (overseas telemarketers) or "private number" (Aus telemarketers) don't get answered.

works for us and well worth the fee!

Nev

[digiveg]

When I get one of those calls I sit tight for a moment, then go 'BEEEEEP'. They usually think I'm an answerphone, and hang up!

[Mancblue]

Not sure if you've noticed this, but when we received one of these calls there's always a seconds pause then a very low click before you here the operative speak, it's at this point I just say "Goodbye" then hang up.

We actually got a cold call, where the operative just apologised for phoning and then hung up, we're on the TPS, so maybe something flashed up when he rung us..not sure how it works at their end.

[Millymollymandy]

Try speaking in some gibberish foreign language.

When I get calls like that I just say that I don't speak French well enough and they always hang up on me! Rude, but who cares, they go away!

[multiveg]

I heard a story about a woman whose phone rang and it was either a survey or a sale call, then the doorbell went - Jehovahs witness. The woman handed the phone to the Jehovahs witness!

[PurpleDragon]

Two comments on this thread:

1) if you hand the phone to your 20 month old baby who doesnt actually want her nappy changed at that particular moment, they don't tend to call back

2) I often get calls from numbers that hang up the moment you answer. It is an automated calling machine. The idea is that you think you've missed a call, immediately call them back, then discover it is a sales call. You are not only paying for the call instead of them, but you are paying at some exorbitant rate. I phoned BT to report the number and they said there was nothing they could do about it, and why didn't I try registering with TPS. I have been registered with TPS since I got this number. Makes no difference - I get these 'ring back' calls regularly.

[Shirley]

I NEVER phone back a number that has called me... unless I know who it is...