Feb 22, 2012
I just got a call from these jerks. Same thing as before, but with a slight twist.
Sorry for the caps, but just to catch everyone's attention.
************ I HAVE AN IDEA! ************
I played dumb when the operator finally picked up. Said I was interested in their offer, knowing full well they're trying to scam me. She seemed genuinely interested, probably smelling a potential sucker. She asked if I had any debt or if I payed off in full every month. I told her every month. She actually kindly (wait, kindly!?) explained she can't help me, as I don't have any debt. I then politely asked to be removed from their calling lists, as it seemed silly for them to waste their time and mine if there's nothing to be gained on either end. She, again, kindly (!?!) said no problem. I then asked if she could tell me how they got my number, as I normally don't give this number out, and she rudely (finally?) hung up on me.
I think we should all take this the other way. If you get these jerks on the phone, play dumb. Say you've got tons of debt. String them along until they ask for an account number, and then say "oh, you know, my wife/husband/mom/dad/sister/uncle/guardian/whoever takes care of all my financial business since I got into debt...I'm not actually allowed to have any of the account information." They'll probably hang up on you then, but you'll have wasted some of their time. If enough of us do that, it'll make their scheme unprofitable, unless they get smart and actually remove us "troublemakers" from their lists. Which is all I'm really after in the first place.
By the way, I tried calling back and got a "This voicemail box is full" message. Appears they've hijacked yet another number, so probably don't try calling this number back as it'll just [***] some poor guy.