"notbob" wrote in message ...

On 2012-10-12, James Silverton > wrote:

> them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
> political party.

Live call or recording?

I get a lotta recordings, which I promptly hang up on. I heard the
govt was gonna outlaw all recording calls, but haven't seen it. I
don't think they do much against blind live calls, either. That govt
do-not-call thing was probably more to make the govt look good than to
actually do anything to stop the calls. I notice the govt passes a
lot of laws making things illegal, but provides no penalty for
disobeying said laws. IOW, toothless laws, which are useless.

nb


--
Definition of objectivism:
"Eff you! I got mine."
http://www.nongmoproject.org/



Ah, but if you ask the caller to put you on the DNC list, allegedly they
have to.

I still get a lot of calls asking for my father or my mother. These are
usually political calls, especially this time of year. When I advise the
caller he/she is deceased they stammer "Oh, uh, I'm sorry" and often say
they'll remove the number from their list. If they don't, I ask them to.

The recorded calls (or otherwise unsolicited calls) are often the result of
an auto-dialer. It's a program that simply dials a list of numbers until
someone answers. If it gets a fax machine or voicemail it usually
disconnects. Remember the old movie, 'War Games'?

Jill

On 10/14/2012 10:23 AM, jmcquown wrote:
> "notbob" wrote in message ...
>
> On 2012-10-12, James Silverton > wrote:
>
>> them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
>> political party.
>
> Live call or recording?
>
> I get a lotta recordings, which I promptly hang up on. I heard the
> govt was gonna outlaw all recording calls, but haven't seen it. I
> don't think they do much against blind live calls, either. That govt
> do-not-call thing was probably more to make the govt look good than to
> actually do anything to stop the calls. I notice the govt passes a
> lot of laws making things illegal, but provides no penalty for
> disobeying said laws. IOW, toothless laws, which are useless.
>

Generally, almost all calls where the caller does not respond
immediately on my saying "Hello" are advertising, political or
charitable. If I wait, another sign is to be asked "Is that James" by
people I can't recognize. I have even had "Is that Jas" because my name
was abbreviated to "Jas V Silverton" in the phone book.

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

On Sun, 14 Oct 2012 10:23:01 -0400, "jmcquown" >
wrote:
snip

I notice the govt passes a
>lot of laws making things illegal, but provides no penalty for
>disobeying said laws. IOW, toothless laws, which are useless.
>
>nb

That's mostly down to Senators and Representatives who want to look
good back home at election time. Then they can say that they
wrote/sponsored such and such bill. Everyone is o.k. with passing
stuff like that because it means nothing and affects nothing.
Troublesome issues attract controversy and no one wants to touch those
unless they can create a spin on the issue against the opposite party.
(that's my cynical view)
The fair view says that whatever laws are created these days there is
a person out there that figures out a way to circumvent it.
Janet US

On 10/14/2012 10:23 AM, jmcquown wrote:

> That govt
> do-not-call thing was probably more to make the govt look good than to
> actually do anything to stop the calls. I notice the govt passes a
> lot of laws making things illegal, but provides no penalty for
> disobeying said laws. IOW, toothless laws, which are useless.

If you really believe that, take a stand to have it dropped. They're
sure spending a lot of money for something toothless. In the words of
Marty, just sayin...

On 10/12/2012 11:05 AM, James Silverton wrote:

> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
> commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
> them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
> political party.

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
https://complaints.donotcall.gov

There's also a call center where you can talk with a live call center
rep. The FTC takes this seriously so file your complaints.

1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm

On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:28:11 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

> On 10/12/2012 11:05 AM, James Silverton wrote:
>
> > Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
> > commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
> > them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
> > political party.
>
> https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
> https://complaints.donotcall.gov
>
> There's also a call center where you can talk with a live call center
> rep. The FTC takes this seriously so file your complaints.
>
> 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
> http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm

I've always found that politely asking them to take me off their call
list works. I bet it wouldn't have worked as well if I acted like the
jackass some people here have claimed to be.

--
I take life with a grain of salt, a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila

On 10/12/2012 8:55 PM, sf wrote:
> On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:28:11 -0400, Cheryl >
> wrote:
>
>> On 10/12/2012 11:05 AM, James Silverton wrote:
>>
>>> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
>>> commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
>>> them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
>>> political party.
>>
>> https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
>> https://complaints.donotcall.gov
>>
>> There's also a call center where you can talk with a live call center
>> rep. The FTC takes this seriously so file your complaints.
>>
>> 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
>> http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm
>
> I've always found that politely asking them to take me off their call
> list works. I bet it wouldn't have worked as well if I acted like the
> jackass some people here have claimed to be.
>

With some of them lately it doesn't work at all, and some don't even
give you the option. Those are the law breakers.

On 12/10/2012 8:55 PM, sf wrote:

>
> I've always found that politely asking them to take me off their call
> list works. I bet it wouldn't have worked as well if I acted like the
> jackass some people here have claimed to be.
>

I have found that some of the callers will stop if you ask them to take
you off their list. Others say they will take you off, but theey keep
calling. Then there are those that give you the option to press a button
to be taken off their list and those guys usually keep calling.

On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:56:14 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

> On 12/10/2012 8:55 PM, sf wrote:
>
> >
> > I've always found that politely asking them to take me off their call
> > list works. I bet it wouldn't have worked as well if I acted like the
> > jackass some people here have claimed to be.
> >
>
> I have found that some of the callers will stop if you ask them to take
> you off their list. Others say they will take you off, but theey keep
> calling.

It's not instant, you have to give them a few months - or at least
that's the way it used to be.

> Then there are those that give you the option to press a button
> to be taken off their list and those guys usually keep calling.

Too bad they've gotten so aggressive. I haven't had a landline in
years and I am careful about who has my cellphone number, so I don't
get annoying calls from strangers anymore.


--
I take life with a grain of salt, a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila

James Silverton wrote:
>
> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
> commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
> them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
> political party.
> --
> Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
>
> Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

Screen all calls. that's what I do.
Landline phone: answering machine is your friend
Cell phone: if they are not on my friend list, I don't answer.

G.

On 12/10/2012 1:30 PM, Gary wrote:

> Screen all calls. that's what I do.
> Landline phone: answering machine is your friend
> Cell phone: if they are not on my friend list, I don't answer.
>

For years before the Do Not Call registry I was in the habit of hanging
up if there was dead air because it usually meant a computer generated
call and an unwanted soliciting call. One time, tempted as I was, I
stayed on. It was my ISP offering me to free tickets to see Pygmallion
at the Shaw Theatre. I was skeptical but was assured there was no catch.
I took a day off work and caught a matinee performance at one of my
favourite theatre venues... for free.

On 10/12/2012 1:30 PM, Gary wrote:

> James Silverton wrote:
>>
>> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
>> commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
>> them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
>> political party.
>> --
>> Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
>>
>> Extraneous "not" in Reply To.
>
> Screen all calls. that's what I do.
> Landline phone: answering machine is your friend
> Cell phone: if they are not on my friend list, I don't answer.


That's always an option but if people don't file complaints, the FTC
can't take action. Agree on the cell phone, though, don't answer.

On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:30:37 -0400, Gary > wrote:

> James Silverton wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
> > commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
> > them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
> > political party.
> > --
> > Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
> >
> > Extraneous "not" in Reply To.
>
> Screen all calls. that's what I do.
> Landline phone: answering machine is your friend
> Cell phone: if they are not on my friend list, I don't answer.
>
Some people are bullies at heart and take every opportunity to be one
to strangers. One of my friends was a telephone operator while she
was going through college and once had to deal with her own father on
the line. He didn't recognize her voice although she recognized
his... she said he was swearing and bullying, being a real a**h**e.
What a jerk.


--
I take life with a grain of salt, a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila

"James Silverton" > wrote in message
...
> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report commercial
> cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get them. The
> latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a political
> party.
> --
> Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
>
> Extraneous "not" in Reply To.


I don't really think there's much you can do about it. The Do Not Call is
mostly a joke, since they really don't follow up. I have a wonderful gadget
that I got many years ago from Radio Shack that rejects the numbers (up to
20) and cuts them off after a 1 1/2 rings so you don't have to wait for the
answering machine. They don't make them anymore, but I love it.

If I'm sitting close to the phone, I just pick it up and hang it up. I have
all the ringers turned off except one in the bedroom, so I'm not too
bothered. Since we used to have a home office for business, the calls are
pretty much neverending even though the office phone has been disconnected.

Cheri

"James Silverton" > wrote in message
...
> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report commercial
> cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get them. The
> latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a political
> party.
> --
> Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
>
> Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

Yes. I just looked this up. File the complaint he

https://www.donotcall.gov/

But first! Think about it. Did you perhaps enter a contest or something
like that where they would have gotten your number?

On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:36:01 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

>
> "James Silverton" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report commercial
> > cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get them. The
> > latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a political
> > party.
> > --
> > Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
> >
> > Extraneous "not" in Reply To.
>
> Yes. I just looked this up. File the complaint he
>
> https://www.donotcall.gov/
>
> But first! Think about it. Did you perhaps enter a contest or something
> like that where they would have gotten your number?
>
I liked having a landline because it was my "throw away" telephone
number that I put down for those sorts of things. It had caller ID,
an answering machine that was set at something like no more than 3
rings and the sound was turned way down, not off - but it only rang in
one far away room although I had extensions all over the house. After
we switched to cell phones only, I rarely give my number to any
business and don't do those silly contests although I probably should
because I have pretty good luck. I won a Caribbean vacation once and
it really was free - no hidden fees whatsoever. I took care of the
liquor and tips. That was it.

--
I take life with a grain of salt, a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila

On 10/12/2012 11:05 AM, James Silverton wrote:
> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
> commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
> them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
> political party.

No defense of Disney world but it is pretty likely it is some scammer
using the words "disney world" as a hook.

Problem is the do not call law can't do anything about scammers from out
of the country. They use VoIP and can call from anywhere.

And the main reason it will never go away is the same reason email SPAM
continues. There will be a certain percentage of people who don't
question anything and will respond to anything.

When I call the the phone co about these I was told they are foreign originated and they have no control over them. They said to monitor calls by caller id and just don't answer the ones where we don't recognize the name or number. If it is a friend they will leave a message, or ask if we're there. If not, Buh Bye!!

"James Silverton" wrote in message ...

Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can report
commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not call but I still get
them. The latest is from Disney World, which is hardly a charity or a
political party.
--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

******************

Read this:
https://complaints.donotcall.gov/com...k.aspx?panel=2

I sincerely doubt Disney World qualifies, *unless* you've actually BEEN to
Disney World and when booking a trip provided them with your phone number.
At any rate, just tell the person no thanks and "put me on the Do Not Call
list". Click the link for File a Complaint.

Jill

If your phone is on the hook, there is no sure fire way to stop calls from coming thru. I let my caller id and answering device screen calls as much as they can. Short of that, disconnect the ringing at the connection block. Such is life.

On 10/12/2012 3:08 PM, Andy wrote:
> James Silverton > wrote:
>
>> Does anyone know if there is central agency where we can
>> report commercial cold calls? I am registered for do not
>> call but I still get them. The latest is from Disney World,
>> which is hardly a charity or a political party.
>
>
>
> Gary,
>
> That reminds me of a saying but I don't remember who to
> credit...

Thanks everyone especially for telling me the complaint number,
1-877-382-4357, and the complaint mechanism on donotcall.gov.

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

The 'better interest rate' calls here have been just waaay too much. We get
calls from family and friends whose caller id really don't identify and
don't want to miss an important call. Such as - the heart center called to
reschedule an important and caller id didn't help at all.
I've tried reporting and assorted other responses. Now. I have the
time and the anger. What have you done that will cause the caller the most
annoyance? I need revenge. Do I lead them on with questions and vague
answers? Punching 1 and putting the phone aside is a bit of fun - it
probably ties up their progress for a couple of minutes. I would like to be
a real nuisance.

On Sat, 13 Oct 2012 01:08:11 -0500, Sqwertz >
wrote:

>On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:57:01 -0500, Polly Esther wrote:
>
>> I've tried reporting and assorted other responses. Now. I have the
>> time and the anger. What have you done that will cause the caller the most
>> annoyance? I need revenge. Do I lead them on with questions and vague
>> answers? Punching 1 and putting the phone aside is a bit of fun - it
>> probably ties up their progress for a couple of minutes. I would like to be
>> a real nuisance.
>
>I get really nasty with them, but in a polite way. I ask them what
>they're wearing and their favorite sexual positions and ... well. It
>gets much worse than that. It was hard for me to talk that way at
>first but I kinda got used to it.

I posted years ago that's what I do, you learned that from me, but I'd
bet you don't really do it, because it's very rare nowadays that
there's an actual person calling to market some crap and you wouldn't
have the cojones anyway. It has to be at least five years since I
last got a live telemarketer, even the companies I do business with
use computer call reminders; pharmacies and doctors especially... even
the local public library now uses a computer call to remind me the
book I requested is in.

On 10/13/2012 10:21 AM, Brooklyn1 wrote:

> I posted years ago that's what I do, you learned that from me, but I'd
> bet you don't really do it, because it's very rare nowadays that
> there's an actual person calling to market some crap and you wouldn't
> have the cojones anyway. It has to be at least five years since I
> last got a live telemarketer, even the companies I do business with
> use computer call reminders; pharmacies and doctors especially... even
> the local public library now uses a computer call to remind me the
> book I requested is in.
>

It has been a long time since I received a live telemarketing call...
but if I were in the right mood, I had two methods of dealing with them.

1) I would try to sell them a cruise. "Before we start, let me ask
you... have you ever been on a cruise?" No matter what the answer (or
no answer at all), I was off to the races.

2) Get all Biblical on them. "Before we start... let me ask you... have
you been Born Again?"

The trick with both was to just keep talking, no matter what they said
or how they answered my questions.

Most of the time, I'd ask to be put on their "do not call" list and then
hang up.

George L

On Sat, 13 Oct 2012 01:08:11 -0500, Sqwertz >
wrote:

>On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:57:01 -0500, Polly Esther wrote:
>
>> I've tried reporting and assorted other responses. Now. I have the
>> time and the anger. What have you done that will cause the caller the most
>> annoyance? I need revenge. Do I lead them on with questions and vague
>> answers? Punching 1 and putting the phone aside is a bit of fun - it
>> probably ties up their progress for a couple of minutes. I would like to be
>> a real nuisance.
>
>I get really nasty with them, but in a polite way. I ask them what
>they're wearing and their favorite sexual positions and ... well.

The male voices.