Registered: Jan 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 13002

So it's common knowledge that I get pissed off with telemarketers... at least I think it is. The new one that pisses me off are banks and the like calling you about your account. You answer the phone they confirm your name, then they say 'Can you just confirm some security questions please?'

This usually then involves you saying your DOB, or your mother's maiden name. Things you told them so that you could identify yourself to them when necessary. The only difference is that they are using them to identify you to them. Now I may be being uberparanoid here, but the whole point of a security system like DOB and Mother's Madien name or the like, is that it is your private key to use on things when you need to. That way, 'technically', it is secure (assuming someone does not beat the info out of you). What you do not do, is allow a stranger to come up to you say, "I represent Bank X, please can I have your private key so that I know you are who you say you are". It should always be the other way round from that, surely? (assuming the purpose of a security identification is to be secure of course)

So, the latest gripe is these people that ring me and then ask me these things. They do it from a non-caller ID number, so I cannot confirm them that way (and I'll be buggered if they think I am going to phone them and pay for the call just to confirm them). When I tell them this they usually act very surprised like no one has ever said it to them before, they then say they cannot proceed with the call for security reasons and will send me a letter about it all instead. "errrr? Hello? A letter? I thought that you said the info could not be divulged because of the need for security? Now your going to send me a letter in the open mail about it instead? WTF?"

God I hate them.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: is futile
Posts: 5027

telemarketers need to have their tounges removed with pliers.

I usually tell them up front that I am not interested in anything they have to say, and that they, or anyone from their company can never call my number again.

and then I tell them to get a real job - and hang up.

few things in life annoy me... but telemarketers make my blood boil.

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Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Rio de los Brazos de Dios
Posts: 3876

I hate all telemarketers and consider a commercial call on my private line to be an invasion of my privacy. The sort you describe haven't made it to my number yet . If they ever do they will represent my justification for belief in capital punishment. Lately I have been having a rash of recorded calls which continue playing even when you hang up---thus tying up your phone for a minute or two.

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