Anyone have any idea why a marketing research company is harassing us?

[ducklite]

This is kind of embarassing, but as a child I figured out how to burp on command. Not a polite little burp, but a HUGE, LOUD belch.

I had a company that kept calling, and I asked them repeatedly to stop. Well, finally one day I had enough. I saw it was them on the caller ID and answered the phone with a belch. They started talking and asked a question, and I belched. And so on. Finally the girl hung up. They never called again.

I've done the same thing with making monkey noises or barking like a dog, or answering each of their questions with a ridiculous and off-topic question--like if they asked "How are you today?" I'd respond "Do you know how many different shapes pasta comes in?" They do leave you alone if you start wasting their time. And it can be amusing in the meanwhile.

Anne

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Just had another thought.. Have you considered contacting your telephone company and requesting a new private# because you're being harassed? I know they will change your number for free with my telephone company as long as you're willing to press charges against the individual or business that is harassing you.. By stating that they won't stop calling until you answer the questions would be considered blackmail and I wouldn't tolerate that for one second!

I know this sounds crazy, but according to the phone company, they are allowed to do this! I've had this phone number for 20 years and I think I'll just wait it out.

 

[C.Ann]

I agree that repeted calls are harrassment and you shouldn't have to put up with that. But if someone isn't selling anything or asking for money, I don't see the harm in taking a minute or 2 to answer a few questions.

They get their answers, they don't call again. It's like jury duty, once you've served you aren't bothered again for a while.

-----------------------------------
My personal phone is for my convenience and my personal use.. When telemarketers and research people start paying the phone bill, they can call as often as they like..

Last night - here at my DD's - from 5 pm until 10 pm no less than 9 telephone calls were from telemarketers (even though they're on the "do not call list") or people wanting to do surveys.. My DD is recovering from a car accident and my DGD goes to bed at 9 o'clock.. Why should their sleep have to be disturbed by people who have no business calling here to begin with? It shouldn't - end of story..

 

[RickinNYC]

Hey there. I work in the non-profit industry. I can absolutely tell you that if you were to call the non-profit directly and tell them that you are being harrassed by the call center that they hired, they'll take it seriously. Particicularly if you tell them you're going to file a complaint with the BBB and never make a donation due to the harrassment.

For that matter, I thought I'd share my own recent experiences. For quite a while, I was getting phone calls from my alumni association asking for financial support. I have a bit of a problem doing that because I support them with my taxes (state university) so I always declined and asked them to stop calling me. Nope, they kept calling. So then I would say, "Can you hold on a sec?" in a nice, cheery voice. I'd put the phone down and just walk away. The calls stopped.

On another occasion, I was getting phone calls much like yours, from a marketing research company that was representing a non-profit. When I finally took the time and asked who they represented, it turned out to be the charity I used to work for. So I lied and told them I still worked for that company. The woman was completely baffled and I asked her, nice as can be, to remove my name from their call list because "It doesn't make sense that you guys call me when I actually work there, now does it?"

Never ever heard from them again.

So try that. Lie and, in a really friendlyl, oh-so-sincere voice, tell them that you work for the non-profit in question. It usually will confuse the heck out of them.

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Jeeze people lighten up. While it wasn't a joke ( I do want people to answer, the more favoriable the answers the more money I get) I was more being silly than anything.

I agree that repeted calls are harrassment and you shouldn't have to put up with that. But if someone isn't selling anything or asking for money, I don't see the harm in taking a minute or 2 to answer a few questions.

They get their answers, they don't call again. It's like jury duty, once you've served you aren't bothered again for a while.

Nahhhhhh, I think I'll do it my way!

 

[Grandpa Simpson]

Jeeze people lighten up. While it wasn't a joke ( I do want people to answer, the more favoriable the answers the more money I get) I was more being silly than anything.

I agree that repeted calls are harrassment and you shouldn't have to put up with that. But if someone isn't selling anything or asking for money, I don't see the harm in taking a minute or 2 to answer a few questions.

They get their answers, they don't call again. It's like jury duty, once you've served you aren't bothered again for a while.

Since I have only a cell phone now, you can call me with all the surveys you want... as soon as you start paying me for those calls. I don't have an unlimited free call-me minutes plan and I don't care to waste the ones I do have on some silly survey.

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

l

So try that. Lie and, in a really friendlyl, oh-so-sincere voice, tell them that you work for the non-profit in question. It usually will confuse the heck out of them.

I guess I can try that. I feel like I've tried everything else short of answering their questions.

I guess I'm just being as stubborn as they are, though, because I'm trying to make a point with them. That I just don't have to talk to them if I don't want to.

 

[maroney495]

The last time I agreed to "take a minute or 2" to answer one of these surveys after 30 minutes of answering questions and being told "just a couple more questions" I finally hung up. I will never agree to any survey again because of this. I don't intend to spend over half an hour answering their questions.

 

[C.Ann]

Another tactic I have used in the past is to bombard them with questions before I'll answer theirs.. You start out by asking their name - then ask them how to spell it - then ask for their birthdate - ask for their mother's maiden name - ask for the name of the company - ask them to spell the name of the company - ask for the address of the company - ask for the telephone number of the company - ask for the name of the president of the company - ask them to spell his or her name - ask for his or her birthdate - ask for his or her address - no matter what they respond, ask them how to spell it.. Ask every single question you can think of.. Then ask them to hang on while you go and verify the information on the internet.. Lay the phone down and walk away.. Believe me, they won't stay on the line very long when it's you asking the questions..

 

[Wishing on a star]

Well, I am a dissenting opinion here.

YES, since they are supposely and non-profit they may not have to honer a do-not-call list. So, it is quite obvious that they have the 'right' to call your number.

But, here is the kicker. NOBODY has the right to make repetitive calls over and over. This has nothing to do with the do-not-call list. It is HARRASSMENT.

Making sales/interview calls may be legal, but harrassment is not!!!

Do you happen to have it recorded when they stated that they would keep calling?

Next time they call, I would record everything. I would estimate just how many times they have called you, and I would state something like; "I have been keeping track, and you have called me at least XX times. We have told you that we do not wish to answer your questions..."

If they, again, state that they will keep on calling, which is what you hope to get recorded. Then state that this is not simply calling a phone number on your list, that this is illegal blackmail and harrassment.

Then, IN PERSON, take this recording down to your local phone company and, in person, demand that they take steps to stop the harrassment.

Making sales/interview calls may be legal, but harrassment is not!!!

There is a big distinction here.

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Another tactic I have used in the past is to bombard them with questions before I'll answer theirs.. You start out by asking their name - then ask them how to spell it - then ask for their birthdate - ask for their mother's maiden name - ask for the name of the company - ask them to spell the name of the company - ask for the address of the company - ask for the telephone number of the company - ask for the name of the president of the company - ask them to spell his or her name - ask for his or her birthdate - ask for his or her address - no matter what they respond, ask them how to spell it.. Ask every single question you can think of.. Then ask them to hang on while you go and verify the information on the internet.. Lay the phone down and walk away.. Believe me, they won't stay on the line very long when it's you asking the questions..

Oh, you're bad! I'm at the point with this company that I just want them to go away, but I think I'll reserve your idea for a future annoying telemarketer!!!!!!

 

[C.Ann]

Oh, you're bad! I'm at the point with this company that I just want them to go away, but I think I'll reserve your idea for a future annoying telemarketer!!!!!!

--------------------------

LOL.. Can you tell I don't like unsolicited phone calls?

 

[ducklite]

Well, I am a dissenting opinion here.

YES, since they are supposely and non-profit they may not have to honer a do-not-call list. So, it is quite obvious that they have the 'right' to call your number.

But, here is the kicker. NOBODY has the right to make repetitive calls over and over. This has nothing to do with the do-not-call list. It is HARRASSMENT.

Making sales/interview calls may be legal, but harrassment is not!!!

Do you happen to have it recorded when they stated that they would keep calling?

Next time they call, I would record everything. I would estimate just how many times they have called you, and I would state something like; "I have been keeping track, and you have called me at least XX times. We have told you that we do not wish to answer your questions..."

If they, again, state that they will keep on calling, which is what you hope to get recorded. Then state that this is not simply calling a phone number on your list, that this is illegal blackmail and harrassment.

Then, IN PERSON, take this recording down to your local phone company and, in person, demand that they take steps to stop the harrassment.

Making sales/interview calls may be legal, but harrassment is not!!!

There is a big distinction here.

Before you turn on that recorder you MUST get their permission to record the conversation, otherwise you can be charged with a felony. Just ask Linda Tripp.

As a journalist, I do phone interviews. One of the first things out of my mouth is "Is it OK if I record this so I can get everything straight?" I've never had anyone refuse, although I have a had a couple times during interviews where they've asked me to pause the tape because they wanted to tell me something off record. As soon as I turn on the recorder I say "This is Anne interviewing 'insert name here' on 'this date' for 'insert name of publication here' and this conversation is being recorded for the record."

Anne

 

[denisem]

TWENTY RESPONSES TO USE WITH TELEMARKETERS

1. If they want to loan you money, tell them you just filed for
bankruptcy and you could sure use some money.

2. If they start out with, "How are you today?" say, "I'm so glad you
asked, because no one these days seems to care, and I have all these
problems. My arthritis is acting up, my eyelashes are sore, my dog just
died . . .. "

3. If they say they're John Doe from XYZ Company, ask them to spell their name. Then ask them to spell the company name.
Then ask them where it is located, how long it has been in business, how many people work
there, how they got into this line of work if they are married, how many
kids they have, etc. Continue asking them personal questions or questions
about their company for as long as necessary.

4. This works great if you are male. Telemarketer: "Hi, my name is Judy
and I'm with XYZ Company. " You: Wait for a second and with a real husky
voice ask, "What are you wearing?"

5. Cry out in surprise, "Judy? Is that you? Oh my God! Judy, how have
you been?" Hopefully, this will give Judy a few brief moments of terror
as she tries to figure out where she could know you from.

6. Say "No" over and over. Be sure to vary the sound of each one, and
keep a rhythmic tempo, even as they are trying to speak. This is most fun
if you can do it until they hang up.

7. If MCI calls trying to get you to sign up for the Family and Friends
Plan, reply, in as sinister a voice as you can, "I don't have any friends,
would you be my friend?"

8. If the company cleans rugs, respond: "Can you get out blood? Can you
get out goat blood? How about human blood?"

9. After the Telemarketer gives his or her spiel, ask him or her to
marry you. When they get all flustered, tell them that you can't just give
your credit card number to a complete stranger.

10. Tell the Telemarketer that you work for the same company, and they
can't sell to employees.

11. Answer the phone. As soon as you realize it is a Telemarketer, set the
receiver down, scream, "Oh my God!" and then hang up.

12. Tell the Telemarketer you are busy at the moment and ask him/her if
he/she will give you his/her home phone number so you can call him/her
back. When the Telemarketer explains that telemarketers cannot give out
their home numbers say, "I guess you don't want anyone bothering you at
right?" The Telemarketer will agree and you say, "Me either!" Hang up.

13. Ask them to repeat everything they say, several times.

14. Tell them it is dinner time, but ask if they would please hold. Put
them on your speaker phone while you continue to eat at your leisure.
Smack your food loudly and continue with your dinner conversation.

15. Tell the Telemarketer you are on "home incarceration" and ask if they
could bring you some beer.

16. Ask them to fax the information to you, and make up a number.

17. Tell the Telemarketer, "Okay, I'll listen to you. But I should
probably tell you, I'm not wearing any clothes."

18. Insist that the caller is really your buddy Leon, playing a joke.
"Come on, Leon, cut it out! Seriously, Leon, how's your momma?"

19. Tell them you are hard of hearing and that they need to speak up . .
.. louder . . . louder . . .

20. Tell them to talk very slowly, because you want to write every word
down.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

I've done the same thing with making monkey noises or barking like a dog, or answering each of their questions with a ridiculous and off-topic question--like if they asked "How are you today?" I'd respond "Do you know how many different shapes pasta comes in?" They do leave you alone if you start wasting their time. And it can be amusing in the meanwhile.

That is funny. I saw a chart on the internet once about how to answer these types of calls. It would pretty much give you a bunch of nonsensical questions to answer their questions with. I was pretty funny and I always wondered if it worked.

I still like putting the phone on speakerphone and walking away. I don't know if it gets them to stop calling but it does give me at least some enjoyment out of the day.

Here's another thought. Has anyone ever tried using those soundboards to answer the annoying calls? Hmmm, I know some people who are just crazy enough to try it.

 

[Wishing on a star]

That could be a good point Ducklite.

However, it seems like there would be real difference between being a reporter and possibly publicly printing/distributing someones comments, and simply recording a call at home for this purpose.

I think there would be????

 

[Wishing on a star]

Ohhhh, and I forgot to add;

If they are worried about being recorded for any purposes,
Hey, that is the perfect weapon!!
Letting them know that they are being recorded might solve the whole problem!

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

TWENTY RESPONSES TO USE WITH TELEMARKETERS

1. If they want to loan you money, tell them you just filed for
bankruptcy and you could sure use some money.

2. If they start out with, "How are you today?" say, "I'm so glad you
asked, because no one these days seems to care, and I have all these
problems. My arthritis is acting up, my eyelashes are sore, my dog just
died . . .. "

3. If they say they're John Doe from XYZ Company, ask them to spell their name. Then ask them to spell the company name.
Then ask them where it is located, how long it has been in business, how many people work
there, how they got into this line of work if they are married, how many
kids they have, etc. Continue asking them personal questions or questions
about their company for as long as necessary.

4. This works great if you are male. Telemarketer: "Hi, my name is Judy
and I'm with XYZ Company. " You: Wait for a second and with a real husky
voice ask, "What are you wearing?"

5. Cry out in surprise, "Judy? Is that you? Oh my God! Judy, how have
you been?" Hopefully, this will give Judy a few brief moments of terror
as she tries to figure out where she could know you from.

6. Say "No" over and over. Be sure to vary the sound of each one, and
keep a rhythmic tempo, even as they are trying to speak. This is most fun
if you can do it until they hang up.

7. If MCI calls trying to get you to sign up for the Family and Friends
Plan, reply, in as sinister a voice as you can, "I don't have any friends,
would you be my friend?"

8. If the company cleans rugs, respond: "Can you get out blood? Can you
get out goat blood? How about human blood?"

9. After the Telemarketer gives his or her spiel, ask him or her to
marry you. When they get all flustered, tell them that you can't just give
your credit card number to a complete stranger.

10. Tell the Telemarketer that you work for the same company, and they
can't sell to employees.

11. Answer the phone. As soon as you realize it is a Telemarketer, set the
receiver down, scream, "Oh my God!" and then hang up.

12. Tell the Telemarketer you are busy at the moment and ask him/her if
he/she will give you his/her home phone number so you can call him/her
back. When the Telemarketer explains that telemarketers cannot give out
their home numbers say, "I guess you don't want anyone bothering you at
right?" The Telemarketer will agree and you say, "Me either!" Hang up.

13. Ask them to repeat everything they say, several times.

14. Tell them it is dinner time, but ask if they would please hold. Put
them on your speaker phone while you continue to eat at your leisure.
Smack your food loudly and continue with your dinner conversation.

15. Tell the Telemarketer you are on "home incarceration" and ask if they
could bring you some beer.

16. Ask them to fax the information to you, and make up a number.

17. Tell the Telemarketer, "Okay, I'll listen to you. But I should
probably tell you, I'm not wearing any clothes."

18. Insist that the caller is really your buddy Leon, playing a joke.
"Come on, Leon, cut it out! Seriously, Leon, how's your momma?"

19. Tell them you are hard of hearing and that they need to speak up . .
.. louder . . . louder . . .

20. Tell them to talk very slowly, because you want to write every word
down.

Those were as much fun to read as they will be to try!!!!

How bout it I tell them my cat, Miss Puss wants to talk to them, and then do a funny cat voice and talk to them like that?

And number 4 would be even funnier if a woman did it!

 

[MzDiz]

My husband answers the "unknown" phone calls as "Wong's Chinese Restaurant" in an obnoxiously fake Chinese accent. We've also been "Da Family Pizza" and "Bob and Al's Auto Service", with corresponding bad accents.
Versitile, aren't we?

 

[diznygirl]

It's very weird that they refuse to stop calling. I worked for a market research firm for about a week (hated it!) and they had deadlines for the information they were gathering.

I got so annoyed at one lady who kept calling that I finally accused her of having an affair with my husband and I got all hysterical on her. She never wanted to talk to me - only DH - saying he was the primary card-holder....... I hate when they do that!

I did a little research on recording phone calls and found a great site. It has a state-by-state guide:

http://www.rcfp.org/taping/

"Federal law allows recording of phone calls and other electronic communications with the consent of at least one party to the call. A majority of the states and territories have adopted wiretapping statutes based on the federal law, although most also have extended the law to cover in-person conversations. Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia permit individuals to record conversations to which they are a party without informing the other parties that they are doing so. These laws are referred to as "one-party consent" statutes, and as long as you are a party to the conversation, it is legal for you to record it. (Nevada also has a one-party consent statute, but the state Supreme Court has interpreted it as an all-party rule.)

Twelve states require, under most circumstances, the consent of all parties to a conversation. Those jurisdictions are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington. Be aware that you will sometimes hear these referred to inaccurately as "two-party consent" laws. If there are more than two people involved in the conversation, all must consent to the taping."