Telemarketer??

[Irish]

I don't even know if this is the right place for this.I have an awnsering machine on my telephone.After 4/5 rings,a message is taken.Many times,I have entered to find the machine "flashing."
this means that there is a message.Thinking that it might be important,I listen to it.Many times it is a recorded message,saying
that if I call a certain number,they will consolidate my credit card bills,at a lower rate.I don't have&don't want any credit cards.The
trouble is that any messages,that come in after that,can only be
listened to after hearing that.The messages are #d,and they must be listened to in numerical order.My question is-Does anyone know if the calls are considered Telemarketing calls.I have
gotten them,when I was home&tried to explain things,but it is a
recording&all that you can do is hang up!It's becoming one of my
real pet peeves! Irish

[WildIrish]

It's the telemarketer's response to being hung up on and cursed at. I'm sure it's also the result of streamlining and automation. I mean, it's easier to have a computer dial 5000 people a day than a person. If the receiver of the call is by some miracle interested, they push a button and the line rings to a live body.

[dicksbro]

I've found I usually discourage them by suggesting they place an order with my wife for Avon products before giving me their pitch.

(They usually don't want to for some reason.)

[lakritze]

Most answering machines have a skip message and erase message on them so you don't even have to hear the entire message if it is from a telemarketer.I do realize tha they are people trying to make a living,but if they call during dinner,I usually will answer them with a mouth full of my dinner. heh heh.....Hey,did you ever get those TM calls that begin by telling you to please stay on the line and a representative will be with you momentarily? Whats this? a telemarketer with a secretary,you gotta be kidding.

[breezinon]

offer to send them a bill for professional services

[Cobalt]

Tell them you are busy right at the moment, but if they give you there home phone number you will call them back. They usually say that they don't want you to call them at home, then you say well why do you think I like it then when you call me at home?

[Cobalt]

I always liked the ones that called to sell me siding. I told them that I was a contractor and I sold the best what kind do you sell? Usually all I heard was a "click".

[LixyChick]

I agree with lakritz.....delete or skip on the machine........

Best thing to do if they call and get you....say, "Please hold"....and set the phone down till you pass it again and hear that beep beep beep beep beep beep.....this detains them from making another call while waiting for you to get back on the line...and ties up the telemarketing lines.....ergo giving them less time to make more calls! You'll be helping your fellowman! Or....you could sign up for the "NO CALL" list. You could find the info online for that, I'm sure. Sears can still call you (as an example...if you are a customer) but those ones who want you to have a "free trial" offer of something are banned to call! It's a law now.....ty Bush!

[Irish]

Lixy---It is a recording.I have tried to talk to them.That's how I
found out it is a recording.What I was wondering is if they
would be called"Tetemarketers?"By the way,I did sign up for
the"Do not call" list. Irish