Telemarketer: Haaallo? Can I speak to Mdm [my last name], please?The thing is, I wasn't trying to be difficult by lying about not using stainless steel. The first time she said it, I couldn't hear what she said, figured it was some kind of product, and just said "no" instinctively. Then it became a matter of just sticking to that line.
Me (immediately suspicious, because I hardly give out my married name to anyone]: Ye-es?
Telemarketer: Mdm [name], is it? I'm calling from [garbled something-or-other]?
Me (somewhat annoyed): What? Where are you calling from?
Telemarketer: [more garbled mumblings] ... You use any stainless steel?
Me: No.
Telemarketer (puzzled): You don't use any stainless steel?
Me (emphatically): No.
Telemarketetr: Oh, okay. Thank you. [click]
I suppose it's not too different from my other typical strategy for telemarketers who would sign me up for credit cards, credit lines or condos in neighbouring countries if I let them. My answer's very simple:
Me: I have no money.The conversation doesn't usually last very long after that.
Telemarketer: But ma'am, this is a really good deal ...
Me: Do you understand me? I have no money.
Telemarketer (usually attempting to laugh it off): Well, I'm sure you can consider ...
Me: I. Have. No. Money.
Technorati Tags: telemarketer
Labels: Singapore stories
6 Comments:
I usually tell them I'm in a meeting or something and make them hang up. Then store their number as DON'T PICK UP!!!. It's worked and always quite funny when the caller id kicks in.
TaLieSin > Oh, I'm never tempted by whatever they're trying to sell me. It's a matter of getting off the phone in the least time possible without behaving like a complete asshole about it :)
Ondine > Funny, you bother :P I don't bother because if they keep pestering me, I'll just scold them lor!
Tell them that you'd be interested in a really sharp stainless steel product.
For you to stick it through their guts. :)
J. > I have a strange sort of conscience --- the kind that feels guilty about hanging up rudely, even though it's an unsolicited call. Of course, if they say silly or annoying things to me, then I'll hang up on them without any qualms.
Chandler > You tell me, can I get arrested for that? :)
Plead insanity.
Diminished responsibility what. :)
Off Boing Boing: a fantastic anti-telemarketing counterscript!
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