BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Aug 03 - 09:43 AM

most telephone solicitors begin with "how are you?"

so. tell them! "oh, my sciatica is really acting up today, and my right knee--well, you wouldn't believe how it aches when it rains...and...."

(actually, I ususally say "anyone who asks how I am doing wants to sell me something, and I don't buy things over the phone..bye")

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Hollowfox
Date: 05 Aug 03 - 09:33 AM

Artbrooks, that was the theory when I first heard it in college (1971 or slightly earlier). I never tried it - too lazy - but it's good to find that the classic solutions to classic problems never go away.

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: artbrooks
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 04:00 PM

I understand that its perfectly legal to tape a return-postage-paid card to a brick...

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Dead Horse
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 02:44 PM

I really miss the fun I used to have with double-glazing salesmen on the phone, but for some reason they no longer call.
I used to sound all enthusiastic, as if I was just waiting for them to call, then I would get them to hold on while I got the measurements for our windows.
Naturally, I just put the phone to one side while I got on with whatever it was I was doing before I was so rudely interrupted.
Like I say, they dont seem to call anymore..............

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Cattail
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 01:40 PM

Here in the UK I LOVE those companies that send us BS through the
mail. So long as they give me a pre-paid envelope to send their
crap back to them in.
I really enjoy stuffing their own blurb back in that envelope, knowing it is going to cost them the return postage.

It is one way, as LH says, of costing them money, maybe if we all
did this it would become uneconomical for them to send this crap
out to us.

I have seen something, somewhere, which suggested that we should
all charge these companies for the time taken to read and evaluate
this s*%t (their product), as they are asking us for our opinions,
and we are then acting as consultants, and should be paid a fee
based on an hourly rate.

'Spose it'll never work though, dammit

Cheers for now

Cattail 0~

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: NicoleC
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 11:57 AM

This is just a new and perverted spin on an old tactic. Forms, sweepstakes entries and coupon offers have always been about harvesting you for marketing purposes. 'Tis sad that we have to hoard our mailling addresses and phone numbers to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands!

In general, if I must fill out a form, I leave the phone number blank or insert garbage. ("999-999-9999") After all, they are going to MAIL you a coupon, right?

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 11:49 AM

Thanks muchly for this alert. By the way, the last time I was offered something for FREE, I woke up married! CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 11:46 AM

Isn't that typical. The rule now in this society is: anything that appears to be a chance to get something for free...or a prize...or an innocent request for information...or an offer to "help" you...is actually an attempt to fleece you for all you are worth. Ignore it. Or better yet, send it back with completely false information from a fictional name and address and make the scoundrels waste some of their money for a change.

Let the seller beware, I say!

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Amos
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 11:24 AM

Snopes validates this general tactic:

"Filling out a survey form or mailing in a completed contest entry or taking some business up on its offer of free product might be construed as establishing a business relationship with that entity, a condition that would allow that group to make un-asked-for sales pitches over the telephone despite that particular consumer's inclusion on the national "leave me alone" list:

Even if you put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, a company with which you have an established business relationship may call you for up to 18 months after your last purchase or delivery from it, or your last payment to it, unless you ask the company not to call again. (In that case, the company must honor your request not to call. If they subsequently call you again, they may be subject to a fine of up to $11,000.) Also, if you make an inquiry to a company or submit an application to it, for three months afterwards the company can call you. If you make a specific request to that company not to call you, however, then the company may not call you, even if you have an established business relationship with that company.
No doubt companies will attempt to claim that a completed survey form or sweepstakes entry constitutes a request for information. And if you answer a survey that asks you about six different brands or types of products, you might very well be putting yourself back on multiple telemarketing lists. "

A

Subject: BS: Nuisance Phonecall Scam Warning
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 11:11 AM

I just got this in an E mail:
************************************************
I (that is, the person who sent it to me) checked this out in Snopes and Urban Legends, and found that - unfortunately - it's true. Now we have to keep an eye out for the 'fine print' in everything. And we thought when we signed up that it was all over! [BR]

      This is to all of you that signed up for the "do not call" law. This week I received a card in the mail thatlooked all right-- It said "vote for your favorite cola - Pepsi or Coke- and receive a complimentary 12 pack" It didn't look suspicious--but for some reason I kept looking at it. THEN I FOUND IT !! At the bottom of the card there is a VERY small statement. It is SO small it is hard to read-- but here is what it says----
      "By completing this form, you agree that sponsors and cosponsors of this offer may telephone you, even if your number is found on a do not call registry or list "

      This REALLY upset me and I just wanted all my friends to be aware of this way to get around the "do not call" law !! Just think how many people will send this in and their do not call registry will be NO GOOD !! The company's name is MARKET SOLUTION. Please send this to all your friends that signed up for "do not call". I think this is just one of what we will get in the future--so READ EVERYTHING before you SIGN AND SEND !! AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT IT.!!!! PLEASE !!!

Dave Oesterreich