I haven't gotten a scam call in months. I discovered this lovely setting in my phone; it only puts thru calls in my address book. If I'm waiting on a call from someone odd, like a call back from a service company, I de-activate it for a while. Like not watching the news, it is great for peace of mind.

quote:

Originally posted by 2Adefender:

I get lots of calls wanting to sell me an extended car warranty. They’re trying to reach me before they close their file.

I can not use the phone most of the time because hearing aids, but once in a while it rings when I am in the car. I hit the magic button on the steering wheel, the phone call plays through the car's audio system, and I have a better than 50-50 chance of understanding the caller.

I answered a car warranty call that way last week, and told her that I was glad she called, as I was thinking about getting one of those warranties.

She asked what kind of car and what model year. I told her it was a blue 1974 Pinto. She hung up. I guess they don't have warranties for blue cars.

During an economic downturn, this will only get worse. Clearly they are casting a wide net.


The statue of liberty is kaput.

Well that's disconcerting.

During the depression, an ad appeared in the back of magazines appealing to farmers who had a potato bug problem. All they had to do was send in a dollar and they would mail out the solution, which was 100% guaranteed to be effective.
When they unwrapped the package, there were instructions along with (2) two by four's about 8 inches long each. The instructions were to:
(1) catch the bug,
(2) place it between the two boards, and
(3) smash it.

Guaranteed to work every time.

My alter-ego phone identity (Mr. DesKnutes... pronounced "DeezNutz) is always delighted to speak to them. Eventually they realize I'm wasting their time and usually use their limited "colloquial English" profanity... but at least I've tied them up for ten minutes or so.

If I'm working, chances are very good I'm talking to them when I'm driving and have nothing better to do.