http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3671258Oh my.
Callous Taoboys (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-24-08 09:18 PM
Original message
I'm steamed about telemarketers- What the hell can I do?
I've been getting 5, 6 robocalls per day, usually letting the machine take them. I should probably get caller I.D.
This morning I was waiting for an important call so was answering all calls which were all telemarketer robocalls.
Finally at noon, after the call I was waiting for came through, I called Verizon and got a new, unlisted number to the tune of $40 plus $5 per month. They asked if I wanted to sign on to Direct Tee Vee (no way in hell, 20 channels is too much as it is). I then immediately get on the net and get on the national and state no call lists.
Thirty minutes later I get a robocall from Verizon with some bitchy recording saying they've tried to contact me three times already about a great Direct T.V. offer. GRRRRRR. Then 30 minutes later phone rings and it's another robocall about a cruise contest. I about leaped out of my skin I was so pissed. I mean, this is my new, unlisted number. WTF? Went to work and came home to two more robocall messages on machine.
Any suggestions that doesn't involve getting a cell phone?
Most primitives suggest the "Do Not Call" list maintained by the evil federal George Bush government.
bluedeminredstate Donating Member (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-24-08 09:22 PM
Response to Original message
2. We're on the do not call list and I swear I got about 15 phone calls today from various telemarketers, the Democratic party of Virginia, The DNC and the Sierra Club. I thought I was going to rip the phone out of the wall! I don't know what to tell you except I feel your pain.
Callous Taoboys (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-24-08 09:30 PM
Response to Reply #2
11. When I called Verizon to complain about getting a robocall from them 30 minutes after having signed up for an unlisted number to stop this shit they explained that anyone you are doing business with, charities you support do not have to follow the no call list rule.
sfexpat2000 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-24-08 10:45 PM
Response to Original message
28. I love caller id. I haven't answered a call I didn't want to get in years.
And that Verizon rep might be wrong. You have not given your permission to be contacted for other offers to Verizon and you're paying for an unlisted number.
Callous Taoboys (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-24-08 10:57 PM
Response to Reply #28
30. I badly need to update my phone equipment, but my landline phone is so cool. It's an old hotel phone with the red light that flashes when it rings.
sfexpat2000 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-24-08 11:42 PM
Response to Reply #30
31. That is really cool!
Maybe there's a gadget at Radio Shack you can plug in that displays caller id. I love those hotel phones, too.
Hmmmm.
One suspects Doug's ex-wife spent a few nights--not a lot, but some--in red-light hotels with telephones with a red light that flashes when it rings.
Maybe in her salad days circa 35 years ago.
Tracer (1000+ posts) Fri Jul-25-08 09:52 AM
Response to Original message
32. If your phone is a business line ...
... it's my understanding that the DNC rules DON'T APPLY and any telemarketing firm can call you at will.
I should know, since 8 out of 10 calls on my business line are robo / sales calls.
And don't get me started on my house phone --- which DOES have DNC.
Any time that I pick up the phone and there is a few seconds of silence (while the computerized phone system tries to figure out if they've got a live person on the line), I immediately hang up, since I know that it will be some sales pitch.
The Weaver's potato chips primitive has the right idea:
bob_weaver Donating Member (1000+ posts) Fri Jul-25-08 10:09 AM
Response to Original message
34. Turn the ringer off so the phone is silent, and disconnect any answering machine.
You'll never hear it ring or receive any messages. The phone will only be useful for outgoing calls. You can advise everyone to send you e-mail instead of calling you, and if you want to speak live you can call them. This may be inconvenient but it's very peaceful.
