Pluggers by Rick McKee for December 26, 2013

I NEVER answer my house phone unless I recognize the person starting to leave me a message on the answering machine. Problem solved.

When phone solicitors call I interrupt ‘em just long enough to ask if they’ve been saved…CLICK.

DO NOT CALL list should mean just that: DO NOT CALL. Politicians, charities included!!

I believe that the Do No Call list is not being enforced, if it ever was. Lately, there’s been a rash of “Medic Alert” nuisance calls from multiple area codes with no end in sight.

“Uh… khakis?”

I tell the spammers to give me their company’s name, address, etc. They usually hang up right quick.

I had a friend who would dial his own number in different area codes until he got an out of service message – then he’d forward his number to that. No toll charges.

Now, I can block a limited number of callers via a web interface. And on an iPhone, you can block them permanently.

edclectic: You have a salvation plan for robotic telephone annoyance machines?

I like Rat’s response from December 22nd.

….if it’s a real live person….i’ll politely and simply say…no thank you…if it’s an automated call i’ll hang up directly…will these corporate interests ever get the message

We have a problem with a carpet cleaning business calling, claiming they once did business with us. Definitely a spam call, considering are floors are all hardwood or tile.

That’s not exactly true. I have gotten spam calls on my cellphone.And, when I had a business cellphone, I got calls from a collection agency trying to reach some plumbing firm. Turns out, the cell phone provider had recycled the phone number when his business went belly up. My company was the lucky recipient. It was such a persistent problem, we had to get the number changed. – Finally, cellphones are less secure than landlines.

Not just pluggers. But many others including parents of elementary kids. Especially in those school districts that have a habit of calling once a day for two weeks before a voting day about a school issue that is on the ballot.

We will absolutely take you seriously! How can I subscribe to your newsletter???

Phone spam is the primary reason that I long ago learned to loathe phones.

as long as we pay for minutes used on a cell phone, they are not supposed to call you, it costs you money and you can take them to court to get the money and and a fine back. When cell phones get rates like land lines, we will all be screwed. you can bet the companies want that.

Those of us with cell phones still get these stupid calls. Check out the pages like 800notes, Mr. Number, etc… to see what is going on.

This is one of the most true to life of all the Pluggers, and I love them all. I stopped answering the phone unless I recognize the number, I’ve wished so many times I could push a button and block a number.I’m way past Boomer Age, but Boomer’s parents have the same problems and attitudes.