General Discussion

Ms. Toad

(38,664 posts)

253. Well - I've had experiences with how well that industry follows the law, as well.

Mon Jan 20, 2014, 01:45 PM

Jan 2014

I kept getting calls at work from someone who left messages with my staff like, "She knows who I am, and why I am calling." After receiving several calls which I refused to return because it was clear they were not business calls - and I had no clue who they were, one of my staff members took matters into her own hands and managed to extract information from the caller about the call. The caller told her it was about a debt I owed - which, as I am sure you know - is illegal.

Because I have had insurance screw-ups which threatened my credit rating, I returned the call. Had I not been aware the call was from a debt collector - and been concerned about the consequences of another screw-up I didn't know about - I would not have returned the call.

On the call, the individual insisted that the hospital they were collecting for gave them my work number.

Problem is - the debt wasn't mine. It belonged to a person with a similar name - but a social security number and medical record number were not even close to mine (they gave me both - also a violation of the law once they knew they had the wrong person). They had to have done a google search and found my work number - and, in the context of work, I always use my middle initial so they knew (or should have known) that they were calling and harassing the wrong person.

I filed a complaint with the state, which investigated. The complaint was closed when the company lied about having revealed information to my staff member which it is illegal to reveal, and about where they got my work information in the first place.

So - unfortunately - in these dirty industries, laws don't seem to mean much.

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Please!! do not be rude to a telemarketer for your best interest . Just say thanks but you are not [View all] ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 OP

I would never retaliate by ensuring the rude person got more calls. redqueen Jan 2014 #1

Unfortunately I often forget the second part of that. MH1 Jan 2014 #228

Unfortunately, that is never enough. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #240

If only the person on the other end of the phone would take a NOT INTERESTED liberal N proud Jan 2014 #2

You are in control of your phone..hang up if they don't take no for an answer angstlessk Jan 2014 #6

I had one person actually call me back after I hung up. polly7 Jan 2014 #10

Automatic computer dialer does the dialing not them. ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #18

Well, the same man called me back, and polly7 Jan 2014 #22

Three of us, so far ... I'm sure there are more. polly7 Jan 2014 #81

That doesn't matter. They still have to push the button for "do not call" pnwmom Jan 2014 #97

Theoretically. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #241

Not all calls are the result of automatic dialers. Gormy Cuss Jan 2014 #191

That's happened to me too! City Lights Jan 2014 #44

It's a bit shocking, isn't it? polly7 Jan 2014 #47

Indeed! My heart was racing when I finally got off the phone. City Lights Jan 2014 #52

When that is your job... TroglodyteScholar Jan 2014 #186

We've all worked at jobs we disliked at one time or another. polly7 Jan 2014 #187

I'm sorry, I missed the part where I voiced approval of telemarketers abusing people. TroglodyteScholar Jan 2014 #188

My apologies, I'm obviously missing your point then. nt. polly7 Jan 2014 #189

I've had this experience, as well. antiquie Jan 2014 #100

It's a weird feeling. polly7 Jan 2014 #105

I had a guy calling me about an insurance plan and I wasn't interested Boomerproud Jan 2014 #114

And you, as a telemarketer, are required to follow Federal law. pnwmom Jan 2014 #78

I do not think the telemarketers need to memorize angstlessk Jan 2014 #85

When someone tells you they are on the list, and you do NOT push the button pnwmom Jan 2014 #88

Fine...I am sure most do...and some don't...what about those bankers.... angstlessk Jan 2014 #101

They have a script that they have to follow. redqueen Jan 2014 #12

I want to thank you because you are correct. ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #20

I've done it before so I'm very familiar with how it goes. nt redqueen Jan 2014 #23

I could use this script liberal N proud Jan 2014 #31

Most telemarketers are required to keep pressing after the first "no". blogslut Jan 2014 #30

Three. LiberalAndProud Jan 2014 #43

You need to hang up AAO Jan 2014 #158

When that happens (always) Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #239

I agree...they too are just trying to make a living..and they don't make much angstlessk Jan 2014 #3

But they're breaking the law when they call people who are on the Federal list. pnwmom Jan 2014 #62

Big wah. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #116

Maybe those heartless debt collectors fill your definition..but telemarketers angstlessk Jan 2014 #170

No - but my number is registered on the Federal Do Not Call list for a reason. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #242

Way too many people are looking around the corner for something to get angry about. nt NCTraveler Jan 2014 #4

I am on the do not call list Egnever Jan 2014 #5

It's the owner of the company...not the individual who is calling angstlessk Jan 2014 #7

I've tried that. They say fine and then call me back the next day. nt pnwmom Jan 2014 #53

Yup. Over and over and over again. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #243

You don't need caller I d marybourg Jan 2014 #279

Your experience is very different than mine. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #286

They don't tell you the name marybourg Jan 2014 #289

Nope. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #290

Huh! Those calls must get marybourg Jan 2014 #292

And the minimum wage caller is the one fucking you over joeglow3 Jan 2014 #8

No sale Egnever Jan 2014 #14

I worked that job and call your excuse pathetic joeglow3 Jan 2014 #21

+++++ Whisp Jan 2014 #38

Fuck the people who take jobs as telemarketers MattBaggins Jan 2014 #98

This right here. Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2014 #113

And fuck their kids who go to bed hungry every night joeglow3 Jan 2014 #200

I'm far from the right, sir... Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2014 #227

Yeah. They should pull themselves up by their boot straps joeglow3 Jan 2014 #237

Words I have never Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2014 #274

Oh, is poor Dr. Hobbitstein being attacked joeglow3 Jan 2014 #278

I told your mom to fuck off last night. NT Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2014 #280

Wow joeglow3 Jan 2014 #287

I thought you smelled familiar... Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2014 #288

I thought it was funny. pintobean Jan 2014 #291

Spoken like someone from the right joeglow3 Jan 2014 #201

Nonsense. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #245

Exactly... Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2014 #275

Then I'm proud to be "a dick." Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #125

And republicans are dicks to people who disrupt their life one ounce joeglow3 Jan 2014 #204

It is not just 15-20 seconds a day. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #246

Fine. So you are saying your first response is NOT to tell the person to "fuck off?" joeglow3 Jan 2014 #252

My first response, at their first breath, Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #254

I just hang up. joeglow3 Jan 2014 #268

That's why I ask for the supervisor Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #269

More Bullshit from you Egnever Jan 2014 #138

I have no problem doing whatever legal job I can to feed my family joeglow3 Jan 2014 #205

and the garbage continues Egnever Jan 2014 #211

You are comparing the need to hang up on someone to spilling chemicals? joeglow3 Jan 2014 #218

I would call drama Egnever Jan 2014 #219

The question is what NEED is being fulfilled by being an asshole joeglow3 Jan 2014 #222

If you are told repeatedly by people you reach Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #244

Do you ask for rhe name of the business? redqueen Jan 2014 #15

If they're contractors, sometimes they won't give it out. lapislzi Jan 2014 #34

I tell them I am interested, but safeinOhio Jan 2014 #37

It might not be. redqueen Jan 2014 #46

And - Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #248

Most won't provide it. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #247

yeah, think about it - most telemarketers are at the bottom of the pay scale only trying to scrape Douglas Carpenter Jan 2014 #9

Thank you. I did it before I had as an alternative to fast food service. redqueen Jan 2014 #19

I can't imagine threads praising rudeness to fast food servers - but we see them and probably Douglas Carpenter Jan 2014 #33

When McDonald's knocks on you door Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2014 #109

We're not mean to fast food workers because they do an HONORABLE job. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #121

At least fast food service is honest work. Bette Noir Jan 2014 #91

I will give your opinion all due consideration. nt redqueen Jan 2014 #96

Being rude to someone on the phone doing an honest job is equivalent bullwinkle428 Jan 2014 #51

Incorrect premise in your argument MurrayDelph Jan 2014 #145

Wrong on so many levels. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #147

Wrong frazzled Jan 2014 #11

So you really think a company already violating the law by calling me Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #249

Nothing you can say, including "Not interested" will help with those frazzled Jan 2014 #255

On the home phone - Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #265

If you make your living bothering other people on purpose to pressure them into giving away money Johonny Jan 2014 #13

So they should be unemployed liskddksil Jan 2014 #24

They harm people. Robbery and bullying are not a profession anymore than bank robber Johonny Jan 2014 #27

I am with you. I do not understand why some other person's need to make a living CBGLuthier Jan 2014 #57

how many hours in an average day do you spend fielding unsolicited calls? frylock Jan 2014 #135

One minute is too much. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #149

well good luck with those windmills frylock Jan 2014 #175

Is that Mitt Romney? joeglow3 Jan 2014 #206

I never hear much compassion on this board for rank and file employees at health insurance cos. bluestateguy Jan 2014 #271

Do you apply that to all salespeople? abelenkpe Jan 2014 #26

Just the ones on the phones MurrayDelph Jan 2014 #137

No Air Horns, No Whistles, No Toilets Flushing my favorite and I don't want to know ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #16

one of my best friends is a telemarketer (jobs are scarce here). I asked her what was her preference Tuesday Afternoon Jan 2014 #17

I had a telemarketer hang up on me FreeJoe Jan 2014 #25

better yet... MANative Jan 2014 #28

Utterly unrealistic if I'm looking for a real job dickthegrouch Jan 2014 #90

start telling them about jesus over and over. nt msongs Jan 2014 #29

of course, unless you have some teabagger/publican DNA Whisp Jan 2014 #32

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Tuesday Afternoon Jan 2014 #35

you R Right Douglas Carpenter Jan 2014 #48

+1000 baldguy Jan 2014 #127

They're tormenting you. Playing right back is fair game. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #151

what utter revolting sickening bullshit. Whisp Jan 2014 #154

Wow. x( Starry Messenger Jan 2014 #192

It is none of those things, however treestar Jan 2014 #210

It IS illegal to call me. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #250

True. treestar Jan 2014 #208

this may be true of reputable telemarketers ProdigalJunkMail Jan 2014 #36

The odds are the person calling you is some poor schlub reduced to taking that hedgehog Jan 2014 #39

that would be the compassionate liberal consideration reddread Jan 2014 #104

I'm nice to everyone, even debt collectors. hunter Jan 2014 #40

I was a collector at one point tabbycat31 Jan 2014 #173

Well - I've had experiences with how well that industry follows the law, as well. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #253

I ask them if they are in prison Go Vols Jan 2014 #41

I don't answer my phone. Blue_In_AK Jan 2014 #42

"Not Interested" doesn't stop them from calling back. City Lights Jan 2014 #45

One time I talked to a real nice elderly lady. She said "Oh honey I'm not interested about having ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #49

But it's not our fault if you're unfairly penalized. You're breaking the law when you call back pnwmom Jan 2014 #58

When you're breaking the law by repeatedly calling someone on the Federal do-not-call list, pnwmom Jan 2014 #50

I wasn't breaking the law her name just came up on the screen UH excuse me!! There is no ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #60

"There is no so called list." You couldn't be more wrong. When a name comes up on the screen, pnwmom Jan 2014 #71

They aren't breaking the law. jeff47 Jan 2014 #86

You're wrong about that. International calls from U.S. companies ARE covered by the law. pnwmom Jan 2014 #93

And as soon as we have the ability to arrest people in foreign countries jeff47 Jan 2014 #162

We have the ability to fine the US companies that pay people to do this. n/t pnwmom Jan 2014 #165

And it's trivial for the US company to hire a foreign company jeff47 Jan 2014 #166

We can still fine the US company involved. But you're right. pnwmom Jan 2014 #168

Do Not Call List HockeyMom Jan 2014 #54

Even with DNC list, I still get telemarketers. I have caller id. If I don't recognize the number Fla Dem Jan 2014 #61

It is federal. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #256

Telemarketers are people too Ganja Ninja Jan 2014 #55

I would never be rude to a legitimate telemarketer. Nye Bevan Jan 2014 #56

Sorry dude, that may be how it works in whatever company you get a check from, but Egalitarian Thug Jan 2014 #59

If only there was some way for people to hang their phone up! FSogol Jan 2014 #65

If only that worked. Egalitarian Thug Jan 2014 #70

It does work. Hanging up the phone ends the conversation. Try it! FSogol Jan 2014 #74

So how much do you make stealing from the gullible and protecting corporations from their customers? Egalitarian Thug Jan 2014 #79

I'm a mechanical engineer. No phone sales from me or my company. FSogol Jan 2014 #84

Caller ID is expensive for people on a fixed income. MADem Jan 2014 #283

It ends the convo, not the harassment. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #130

From what I've seen the "do not call registry" works pretty well. FSogol Jan 2014 #148

I've been on it since day 1. Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #258

This was 5 years ago I'm back in the Mill..Alright!! Is that a more respectable job? ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #66

So you got nothin'... Egalitarian Thug Jan 2014 #76

Telemarketing is rude; I'm afraid I think it's entirely acceptable to be rude in return. Donald Ian Rankin Jan 2014 #63

But you forgive an animal abuser or thief. Cast yee the first stone of someone who has never sinned. ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #67

Did they actually say they'd forgive an animal abuser? redqueen Jan 2014 #233

Agreed. Bobbie Jo Jan 2014 #212

I will do that the *first* time. gcomeau Jan 2014 #64

Hang Up!! ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #68

Because hanging up in someone's face isn't rude either... right? -eom gcomeau Jan 2014 #82

I want more ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #69

I wish I could pin this to the top for a week. Kurovski Jan 2014 #72

We can curse at and hang up on robo dialers though, right? Initech Jan 2014 #73

It's extremely arrogant for marketers pintobean Jan 2014 #75

They clog up my answering machine so much, I almost never listen to it. JoePhilly Jan 2014 #77

i love playing w/ push pollers. and usually talk w/ the poor poller who is trying to read the pansypoo53219 Jan 2014 #80

Get in a different line of work. Bette Noir Jan 2014 #83

Three unemployed per job opening. jeff47 Jan 2014 #89

Selling drugs or turning tricks are more ethical lines of work than telemarketing. Bette Noir Jan 2014 #107

Some people feel that eating is a necessary activity. Especially for their children. (nt) jeff47 Jan 2014 #161

They are far more ethical. People WANT their services. CBGLuthier Jan 2014 #180

I did I am a Steelworker again..!Am I redeemed now please let me know. I will be anxiously waiting ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #92

I've never been rude. I hang up, which is a bit rude. Cleita Jan 2014 #87

I ask to speak to their supervisor fredamae Jan 2014 #94

Telemarketers are harassing my elderly parents ThoughtCriminal Jan 2014 #95

A whistle works just as well. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #132

Usually doesn't work. They have volume suppressors. progressoid Jan 2014 #198

I would prefer them to believe that the number's no good... Orsino Jan 2014 #99

Next!! Who else wants to critisize me for taking a 4 month job as a ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #102

You got to do what you got to do Johonny Jan 2014 #117

It was years ago. It beat delivering heavy furniture for Value City at 40 years old. Plus I wasnt ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #157

No problem treestar Jan 2014 #209

I use software that if your not in my directory, you can't get through... santamargarita Jan 2014 #103

Thanks I appreciate you supporting me and backing me up. Geeze I only did it for 4 months. ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #106

Hang on there... santamargarita Jan 2014 #110

Thanks ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #133

My phone is for my convienience, not anyone elses. If you bother me uninvited, kelly1mm Jan 2014 #108

Just don't answer calls from numbers you do not know. taotzu Jan 2014 #111

Bwahahaha! I will ALWAYS be awful to telemarketers and spammers. Daemonaquila Jan 2014 #112

I have no pity for you either since your so open minded go back to Free Republic. ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #139

Get caller id, use voice mail drmeow Jan 2014 #115

Telemarketer for several years tazkcmo Jan 2014 #118

I am always polite initially. Rainforestgoddess Jan 2014 #119

Too much hatred for working people here. baldguy Jan 2014 #120

Rank and file employees who work at health insurance companies bluestateguy Jan 2014 #272

So, I take it that saying, "If you ever call me again, I will hunt you down and find you, and make Zorra Jan 2014 #122

I'm on the federal Do Not Call List and I rarely get calls steve2470 Jan 2014 #123

I'm on the Do Not Call list and I get calls ALLLLLL the time dorkzilla Jan 2014 #129

wow I feel bad for you ! steve2470 Jan 2014 #131

This is on my landline, don't think I've ever gotten one on my cell dorkzilla Jan 2014 #150

I've gotten a bunch on my cell phone - Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #262

They may not have reached the court stage - Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #261

That's encouraging! dorkzilla Jan 2014 #266

I was really pleased when I read the first article Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #267

If I see an obvious telemarketer or scam call on the ID SeattleVet Jan 2014 #124

I am polite enough during the first few calls MynameisBlarney Jan 2014 #126

I used to worry about all the calls my mom started to get after a move to different state... FailureToCommunicate Jan 2014 #128

I'm never rude to telemarketers. The first time. Shadowflash Jan 2014 #134

No. And don't tell me what to do. oldhippie Jan 2014 #136

please put me on the "do not call list." thank you.. frylock Jan 2014 #140

But I'm *already* on the Do Not Call list... SeattleVet Jan 2014 #142

that's when you ask to speak with a supervisor.. frylock Jan 2014 #146

I do - Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #263

personally i think barbtries Jan 2014 #141

Having once worked as a tele-marketer/Surveyer ... 1StrongBlackMan Jan 2014 #143

That's very kind of you, truly nt steve2470 Jan 2014 #144

That's what I've always done get the red out Jan 2014 #152

"Just get caller ID" is not a solution. noamnety Jan 2014 #153

Nomorobo is a godsend sharp_stick Jan 2014 #155

If they are not on the line when I answer they will be hung up on. Kingofalldems Jan 2014 #156

If YOU don't want to be rude, you might preface your post with a "please" hamsterjill Jan 2014 #159

I'm not telling you please I just said don't be rude. ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #163

Giving orders to people you don't even know is rude. pnwmom Jan 2014 #169

I have a friend who is a telemarketer MurrayDelph Jan 2014 #160

I typically do that, except for Dish Network Jeff In Milwaukee Jan 2014 #164

Post removed Post removed Jan 2014 #171

Holy shit pintobean Jan 2014 #181

Yeah dude... pipi_k Jan 2014 #194

Did you see his post in the related thread? pintobean Jan 2014 #273

I always say thank you and no thank you, and hang up. RebelOne Jan 2014 #167

I did that once. A telemarketer would not take a polite no for an answer...kept 1monster Jan 2014 #172

Where I worked I had no option of calling them back I had no phone just a headset. Dialer was ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #174

Normally, I opt to be friendly and matter-of-fact... countryjake Jan 2014 #176

Not Intersted and hang up ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #178

I was an outbound Telephone Sales Rep for two years Omaha Steve Jan 2014 #177

I just tell them I am on the Do Not Call and say goodbye. If I answer the phone. madinmaryland Jan 2014 #179

I always tell myself tosh Jan 2014 #182

That is good ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #185

My number is on the do not call list - I will not be nice. I will also not be rude. KentuckyWoman Jan 2014 #183

After 5 minutes they already forgot about you. The automatic dialer has already dialed about 4 other ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #184

I'm not going to be polite just to avoid their assholish behavior. Gormy Cuss Jan 2014 #190

My phone, paid for by me. 99Forever Jan 2014 #193

They are people desperate for a job. Really, who wants to be a telemarketer? freshwest Jan 2014 #195

I don't even say I'm not interested. I hang up instantly. sibelian Jan 2014 #196

Nope. NutmegYankee Jan 2014 #197

I agree. I think it's pointless to advocate being rude to them. kcr Jan 2014 #199

Telemarketing is a rude and *unwarranted invasion of privacy for profit* and should be illegal. nt Zorra Jan 2014 #202

+infinity ~ nt antiquie Jan 2014 #203

When I was in college, I took a job soliciting alumni for donations. Tommy_Carcetti Jan 2014 #207

I'm not convinced about that tradeoff. noamnety Jan 2014 #215

Whatever. Tommy_Carcetti Jan 2014 #216

Message auto-removed Name removed Jan 2014 #213

I say, "You have a tough job, I appreciate your efforts duhneece Jan 2014 #214

Card services, viagra scams, microsoft claimed bot scams and many more illegal scams seveneyes Jan 2014 #217

I only get calls from scammers. "Hello. This is _______ from 'Card Services'. WillowTree Jan 2014 #220

I'm always tempted pipi_k Jan 2014 #231

They've called me dozens of times. WillowTree Jan 2014 #236

Yep, that's the pipi_k Jan 2014 #238

Being rude to a telemarketer ronnie624 Jan 2014 #221

This is me politely putting you on ignore Ino Jan 2014 #223

Before you go pintobean Jan 2014 #224

I don't need to read any more Ino Jan 2014 #225

Actually pipi_k Jan 2014 #229

Agreed. n/t Ms. Toad Jan 2014 #264

I worked one of those telemarketing jobs for three months and I was really good. bravenak Jan 2014 #226

I usually just hang up. Shoulders of Giants Jan 2014 #230

Someone once told me the best response DFW Jan 2014 #232

Just wanted to thank you for this thread. redqueen Jan 2014 #234

I wish we could put telemarketers on ignore. pintobean Jan 2014 #235

I will say I am not interested bluestateguy Jan 2014 #251

I think telemarketing should be outlawed. Just my personal opinion and of course will not happen. Lint Head Jan 2014 #257

Unsolicited calls when I'm on the Do-not-call-list get whatever I feel like dishing out. hobbit709 Jan 2014 #259

Telemarketers call me and interrupt my time with my family. Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #260

Some new rules as of 10/2013 for robocalls Blue Diadem Jan 2014 #270

No offense, but that is the dumbest, worst advice I've ever seen on DU. MADem Jan 2014 #276

This works for you and me, but OldEurope Jan 2014 #277

Lots get snagged in enforcement Historic NY Jan 2014 #281

better yet, get rid of your land line and never speak to one again arely staircase Jan 2014 #282

The responses to telemarketers on the following site are priceless, kentauros Jan 2014 #284

I just don't answer the phone unless someone leaves a message of importance to me. ... spin Jan 2014 #285