Unsolicited phone calls

[The Large One]

...severely piss me off.

Just had a phone call from Fones Direct. As soon as they stumble over asking who you are, and before identifying themselves, you know you are going to be on the end of someone trying to sell you something.

So I stopped him by saying, 'look, whatever it is, I am not interested.' I didn't hang up at that point, because that would be TOO rude (not that I am above being bloody rude on the phone).

'How do you know what I calling you for?' came the grating Croydon-esque tones - the tones that sound like scraping your fingernails down a blackboard. 'Anyway, I'm calling to offer you mobile phone.' OK, I'll bite, you little bastard. 'I've already got a mobile phone. You just called me, remember?'

'Yeah, but this is a much better phone than what you've got, free of charge.'

'How do you know what phone I've got?'

'I don't. But it's better than what you've already got, innit?' He really did say 'innit'

'Oh right, anyway, as I said I'm not interested. Don't call me again. If I want a new phone, I'll call you...'

'Well f*** off yourself you wanker...' Croydon-like. Horrible.

By which time, I'd then hung up. He did call back, but I ignored it. Unscolicited calls, doncha just love 'em? So what are worse? Unsolicited phone calls for conservatories (sorry, mate, I live on the 16th floor), double glazing (already got it) or mobile phones (the phone rings, I answer it, I speak, I hang up. That's ALL I need John)?

 

[Wardy]

I got so fed up with them I signed up to BT's service where they take you name of the list that compaines use to make these calls. It can take a few months to filter through but once that happens the calls drop in number.

 

[mindyjaja]

Stops Unsolicited Calls

 

[Icy Gull]

I don't answer any "number withheld " calls, just leave them to switch to the answering machine which is on all the time and trips after about 8 rings, much less hassle. If they leave a message and I want to speak to them, I call back. C'est simple

Pretty well all "salespeople" are on number withheld

 

[Mr Banana]

You're the male Liz Costa.

 

[Herne Hill Seagull]

Follow mindyjaja's advice, Largy, and get yourself listed on tps (and mps for junk mail). They're the nuts, they'll cut about 90% of the calls out altogether, and anybody who does call then will hang up immediately if you ask them who's calling.

 

[Gully]

...just pretend to be nutty or talk in a language other than English when they call, will soon get you taken off their database.

 

[Muhammed - I’m hard - Bruce Lee]

just tell em youve got no money

 

[The Large One]

just tell em youve got no money

Not much of an argument if they're offering me something for free.

However, as the shite cliché goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Or a free phone, probably.

 

[Gully]

...naah, I pretend to be absolutely barking mad (maybe not far from the truth), favourite is to do an impression of Emo Phillips or to just laugh hysterically after everything they say.

 

[Cadiz Seagull]

*awaits Commander's contribution to this thread*

 

[Springal]

I don't answer any "number withheld " calls, just leave them to switch to the answering machine which is on all the time and trips after about 8 rings, much less hassle. If they leave a message and I want to speak to them, I call back. C'est simple

Pretty well all "salespeople" are on number withheld

or most companys that use a phone system that doesnt send out hte CLI [ie-most]

 

[Woodchip]

Is anyone else with Orange, and getting loads of cold calls from people offering upgrades at the moment? I'm due for upgrade at the end of the month and going with T-Mobile (was going to stay with Orange but they've pissed me right off!!!!)

 

[*Gullsworth*]

I got so fed up with them I signed up to BT's service where they take you name of the list that compaines use to make these calls. It can take a few months to filter through but once that happens the calls drop in number.

But then after time they return......................realy pissed off with these callers.I only answer the phone now if someone starts to leave a message on my answerphone......sad i know but if someone wants to get hold of me they ring my mobile

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

Is anyone else with Orange, and getting loads of cold calls from people offering upgrades at the moment? I'm due for upgrade at the end of the month and going with T-Mobile (was going to stay with Orange but they've pissed me right off!!!!)

Yep - I've had a contract since 1995 and been very happy but seriously considering moving. I've complained about the calls but they just say I must have agreed at some point although I am very careful about ticking boxes etc.

Also, they have changed the upgrade policy so that you don't automatically get a phone upgrade on a £25 a month contract - it is based on usage and if you only use just over your contracted amount you're classed as a low user and get minumum perks.

The final straw is that on my current bill, they now want to charge me for an itemised bill. I'll ring their main customer service later in the week using my near 11 years of custom as a negotiating tool but if they don't make me a good offer then I'll look elsewhere.

 

[Woodchip]

Yep - I've had a contract since 1995 and been very happy but seriously considering moving. I've complained about the calls but they just say I must have agreed at some point although I am very careful about ticking boxes etc.

Also, they have changed the upgrade policy so that you don't automatically get a phone upgrade on a £25 a month contract - it is based on usage and if you only use just over your contracted amount you're classed as a low user and get minumum perks.

The final straw is that on my current bill, they now want to charge me for an itemised bill. I'll ring their main customer service later in the week using my near 11 years of custom as a negotiating tool but if they don't make me a good offer then I'll look elsewhere.

Try clicking here... Orange Customer Services

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

You're not on commission from T-Mobile are you?

 

[Woodchip]

You're not on commission from T-Mobile are you?

No, but there the only one's that I haven't used so far, so thought I'd give them a go. All the people I know on T-mobile say they are god (unlike Orange, O2 anf Vodafone). I'll probably change my tune in about 6 months time.

 

[seagully]

I used to work at a mobile phone store and its very easy for companies to buy information about your contract (when it expires etc) so they can ring you to offer something better. Not sure of how it works legally but my boss used to have a list of at least a thousand expiring contracts at a time.



by the way, I have to disagree about T-Mobile. Had lots of problems with them. I'm with Three now and find the reception and cost excellent

 

[Gazwag]

Stops Unsolicited Calls

Works really well expect for the f***ing indian call centres which appear to be exempt. What really annoys me is they either cannot pronouce your name or that ask for Mr "first name" not your surname. Its like hearing the script from It aint half hot man.