quiltin-nannie

Many moons ago I worked for a chiropractor who decided to market with the robo calls. We were required to update with our robo call provider to add updated DNC lists. He finally decided the whole robo system was a waste of money and quit using it.

MarleneC

when someone asks for my phone number--I give them one--it is easy to make up a number--there is a restaurant in Anchorage, AK that used to want SS# which is unlawful to use that for ID and I would do the same thing--I have found that I can sometimes get away with putting XXXXX in place of phone numbers or mailing addresses

MarleneC

some of these robo calls will not stop until you say something--I pick up the receiver to answer and put it back down to end the call

MarleneC

I am finding some DR's offices, etc wlll use a phone that doesn't show the name of their office--Dell computers also does that--these are calls I don't want to ignore so I will answer just in case

Girlfriend

I also use all 8's. I've never been asked for my real number.

A while back, my cell phone got on some telemarketer's list that went out nationwide, I believe it was Paradise Marketing. Anyway, after repeatedly asking to be removed (I am on Do Not Call List - what a joke that is), I finally resorted to recording from you tube "This number has been disconnected" Voice Message, and turned off the phone. I finally got taken off, but it took about 4 weeks of leaving it on.

Halo

I no longer have that problem. I did the hitting the pound key several times really fast for the robo calls. For the calls that has some one on the line, I would say "can you hold on a minuet?" then I would just lay the phone down & leave it till they hang up. Also, put a whistle next to your phone & when the call, just start blowing it & keep it up till they hang up. If you really feel like a smart a--, you could say something like. I'm so glad you called. I have no friends & would you be my friend? You sound really cute. How old are you? What color hair & eyes do you have? are you married? If so,how many kids do you have & ask for their ages. If you give me your home phone I can call you later & then we can really talk. They will hang up on you if you don't give them a chance to do their sale pitch. By the way, I no longer have that problem. :~)

CAS49OR

I've read it is good to call the area code of the place you order rather than an 800 number since if you call an 800 number your information is more readily sold. You can often look up a company's "real" number online.

Edie

For years now I have used a phony-phone number so when someone asks for my phone number I don't have to sit and explain that it is an invasion of privacy, that you cannot ask me for my phone number, etc., etc., etc. I just give them the number and have had no problems whatsoever. I use it on my checks mainly. And if anyone asks me I just say that there is a bill in congress waiting to be passed saying that we don't have to give out our phone number. That is my private domain and I am the one who gives it out because I am the one that pays the telephone bill, right? So at least I have a good excuse why I don't put down my number. And if it is a totally legit outfit, I will give them my number with the added sentence "This is an unlisted number - if I find that you have abused my telephone number, I will have no recourse than to prosecute you for invasion of privacy." It works!!!!!! Edie

meanmom

I am sooooooooooo sick of the robo calls. I am on every do not call list I can find. SOme days we get 8 or 10 calls. Somehow my DH is on a list where people call wanting to handle his investments. They call from all over the country. I would love to disconnect my home phone. No one calls it that I want to talk to. Dh is self employed and does get the occasional business call on it. He wants his name listed in the phone book.
The other thing that drives me crazy is the websites that you can't even look at without registering This produces tons of annoying junk email. I use my maiden name and my old email address to register. I also have a fake mailing address that I use.

Onebyone

Use the local time and weather recording phone number. That helps to keep the call count high for that service. Also any fax only number will work. Lots of options available to not feel guilty about.