When ordering on line I usually have it shipped to me at the office and give my office phone. I'm the one that answers the phone and when they call I tell them it's a business and they hang up and don't call back. And I've started paying cash for local purchases. I hate to reconcile bank statements.

There must be hundred of thousands who fall for the phone sales calls because they are still in the business of telemarketing. Until it isn't profitable it won't stop.

I've noticed that even store clerks will say "lets start with your email address". Some are fine with me for not giving it to them, one got all huffy when I said I was trying to control the amount of spam I was getting. One place said they couldn't sell me anything unless they had my name. I was dumbfounded and gave it to them and for days after, everytime I thought about it, it made me mad. Whatever happened to the days when you just anonymously handed over the cash and everyone went away happy. And I'm not that old.......

I used to work in direct mail mktg and they give away a gift to get the number to sell. that's the whole thing behind the free gift.