Mar 23, 2008
I put a manually operated switch on our main phone line so I can switch it over to a FAX machine when I see a tele-marketer's number on the caller ID (you can also make use of an old computer modem for this). That way all they get is the squeal of the FAX modem in their ear.
Seems to be somewhat effective at preventing on-going calls. They usually give up after a few squeals (presumably concluding there's no person at that number). Just to be sure, I switch the line back after it's squealed for 10 seconds or so ... don't want to let them think they can successfully send me junk FAXes. #;-))
The other things we do:
- NEVER answer any questions when you don't know who's calling and, if it's a tele-marketer, tell them to stop calling and hang up (no discussion, just inform then hang up)
- use caller ID and an answering machine to screen ALL calls ... set the answering machine to answer after a large number of rings (7 or more) as many tele-marketers won't wait through that many rings
- to combat the machine-driven "I'll play you a 3 minute ad" -- MACY's!!! -- strategy, if you're not sure, don't speak when you answer as these machines are voice-triggered ... if you don't get some talking from them after 5-10 seconds, just (note the number) then hang up -- from then on, give 'em the FAX treatment
- if you can ID the company they're calling for, phone/write the company (preferably an executive in marketing) and let them know that this kind of advertising has only lost them your business and that you'll NEVER react in any other way to tele-marketing
... and MOST OF ALL, vote with your dollars (don't deal with companies that use tele-marketers) and let them know that you're voting with your dollars!