I got a call from a telemarketer a few minutes ago saying I had won a vacation. I’ve received these annoying calls (from other places) before on my cell, so I decided to mess with them. I was a telemarketer once, so I know the WORST thing you can do is string them along till the very end and then say no.
In this case, the scam is that they have to take a “deposit” (don’t know how much) from your credit card. For something similar, see: http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-901-2932. I just checked and this is the number they called from: http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-802-681-4148 (Looks like they managed to scam someone for $600!!).
- Hi sir, congratulations! You’ve been selected as our lucky winner for a 7 night bla bla bla
- (Excited) Are you serious!?!?!? Fantastic!!! When do I leave???
- (Excited) Well, sir, I just need to confirm that you qualify!
- Sure, no problem!
- Are you over the age of 21?
- Yes.
- Are you married?
- Yes.
- Do you have a major credit card?
- No.
- Well, does someone at this phone number have a credit card?
- No? Is there a problem?
- (not so excited) Well, our hotels require 2 pieces of ID and a credit card to check-in
- If I won, why do I need a credit card?
- (annoyed) Sir, our hotels require 2 pieces of ID and one is a major credit card.
- Wait, does this mean I don’t win my vacation?!?!?
- Well…
- That’s not fair!! You said I won!!
- The phone number listed won.
- (Confused) My phone number won a vacation?
- …
- That doesn’t make sense. WHY did you DO that? (said in Anchorman tone after they woke up the bears)
- Sir, the person living at this phone number won.
- I live here!
- But you don’t have a credit card!
- I pay everything in cash. I don’t believe in credit cards.
- Yes, so…
- (I interrupt, whispering) I think they’re trying to get me, so I don’t want a paper trail…
- OK sir, I apologize for wasting your time and STOP wasting mine!! (hangs up)
How rude that SHE would hang up on me! At least she apologized before hanging up. I seriously wish I had taped the call…maybe next time. I’m sure these are the same idiots who work with Imperial Cruise Lines (the last scam group).
Want to get rid of telemarketers? Here are some ideas: An Indian telemarketer trying to sell a phone. That one gets a little long. If you want a REAL laugh, listen to this one! A comedian fools a telemarketer into thinking he’s just dialed into a murder investigation…
I actually used this technique once and got sworn at. LOL!
Darwin – Ha ha, excellent!! I’ve never seen that one before, thanks! I’ll have to keep it handy!
Hilarious! I actually can’t be bothered with them so I used to tell them I wasn’t interested in their offer, politely say thanks for calling and hang up. Then good ‘ol “Dubya” came up with the “Do not call” list and I signed up for it the very next day… hee hee!
Entrpy – I really wish I had taped it now! I used to like when someone would politely say thanks and hang up (or just hang up) because then I could take more calls. If someone would run me along and then say no, I could have possibly made 5 or 10 other calls in that time. It’s all a question of numbers…
Ah, well, I’m in Canada, so as far as I know, sadly, we don’t have the “Do not call” list!
Sounds like Dubya did something right!
They just called me. I am unhappy because my father is in the hospital intubated and in a coma with a stomach tumour bleeding today. So I wasn’t the happiest telephone answerer! The guy sounded like a radio announcer! He asked me if I was married or happy? I was just like SINGLE! He had mentioned that it was a discounted trip so when he asked my name I was like wait did you say discounted?? And he continued asking and then said ma’am give me your time and I will discuss the details what is your name? So I was like “april” and he was like “it isn’t april is it” I angrily said YES and he HUNG UP on me TOO! Um.. that was my real name! I called back and it is just outgoing.
Canadia – I have a feeling they’ll probably call you again. As I mentioned, if you have the time, the worst thing you can do is string them along for as long as you can…
I hope your father gets better!
lol! Priceless!
I can’t wait to use this…
Usually, I would just hammer these callers and it’s either they hang up on me or I hang up on them. Now, thanks to you, I can have some fun w/ these calls.
Just the other day some one called on behalf of Rogers Wireless telling me that my number was selected to win a free phone, and asked for my name and mailing address. I told the lady that Rogers should already have my information, and since I don’t trust the call that she should send me – in written- the prize package. And, that was the end of the call, lol.
Thanks again!
Deven – Ha ha! Good one!! The reason these types of calls/scams continue, is that unfortunately most people are not that bright, so they fall for these kinds of things!
Good on you for outsmarting them!! I am surprised that someone would be trying to pose off as Rogers though!
Thank you, even though I’m not really the sharpest tool at times, lol. And, I must admit that for a few seconds during the call I was little bit excited, but considering my “luck” for winning/getting free stuff, I was precarious.
For these past few weeks we’ve had so many of these calls that it’s unbelievable. I mean, we all have to work to make ends meet and I understand, but this is a little bit overboard, I think.
Well, I did call Rogers, a few minutes after, relating to them what had happened, and they were just as surprised. When I had asked the lady calling on behalf of “Rogers” as to why the name of the company did not show up on my caller I.D. she said that it’s because she’s calling from Rogers’ promotions department in Ottawa.
Sounded fair enough, but I wasn’t buying that. So, I told her that when I usually speak w/ a rep from Rogers they would automatically refer to me by name and would then ask some verification questions which she hadn’t done and I am left to conclude otherwise. Unfortunately she couldn’t weasel her way out that and was stumbling for an answer.
Putting her out of her misery, I said to her that if she’s real she should take the address that her company has and mail me whatever it is that I had won.
Unfortunately, I haven’t received anything to this day, so I’m left to my assumptions, lol.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading the parts of your blog that I’ve read so far, and I think that your opinions are real and pretty interesting. If memory serves me correctly, I was directed here by Google, and with no regrets. Keep on writing =)
Deven – Yeah, I wouldn’t count on any free phones for the moment!
Glad you enjoyed my blog! Thanks for the compliments! Cheers!
lol! I wouldn’t count on that either.
No prob. man. I’m new to blogging, so I’m setting sail like Columbus, lol.
Ciao!
Hi Nice Blog .If your time is less valuable, then it is probably less worthwhile to phone time card.
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