While in college, I took a night job as a telemarketer for MCI. I really enjoyed it because the pay was great and I knew not to take anything personally. As much as I despise telemarketing calls, I think everyone should do it for one month just for the experience. Anyway, this was in the days when MCI was pitching their “Friends and Family” plans. The call went like this:

Me: “Hello Mr. X, this is XXXX from MCI. How are you this evening?

Mr. X: “I’ll stop you right there. I don’t need your services.”

Me: “Well, I think once you hear about how our Friends and Family plan can save you money you will.

Mr. X: “No, I don’t need your services because I don’t have a telephone.”

Me: (being a smart college kid and all) “Well, if you don’t have a phone, how are you talking to me??”

Mr. X: “I’m not!!!”

Me: (called him right back) “Please don’t hang up. I just wanted to tell you that was a great answer. Have a wonderful night!”

Jim

I know a telemarketing phone company that took “deceased” to mean… call the same number again a couple of days later and instead of asking for the “deceased” person’s name, ask for “the person who handles the phone bill.”

So, you really should stick to the standard advice of asking to be put on the do not call list.