when a courtesy call isn't a 'courtesy' call

from Stardock Forums

 

Today I received yet another call from the toll-free number that has been calling me on and off (sometimes multiple times in one day) for several months.

 

I had answered a call from that number during the first month's assault on my digits (after 4 or 5 unanswered attempts) and determined they were a 'third-party' calling on behalf (supposedly) of my carrier.  They asked if I was satisfied with my 'plan' and if it 'met my current and future needs'.  At the time I thought "how the hell could I know if it met my future needs?" but in any case I politely explained that "yes, everything was fine" and the phone call ended.

 

Fast-forward a month or so, during which the assault on my number (and sanity) continued.  So one morning I answered again.  This time I wasn't as 'sweet' (as sweet as I can be first thing in the morning!) as I explained that YES I was happy, and that NO I did not need repeated calls to verify that!  Call ends.

 

Here we are, today, after yet another month or so of repeated (sometimes multiple times daily) calls from that number.  I decide to answer.

 

Hello?

>> Hi is this so and so?

Yes, where are you calling from and why do I keep receiving these calls?

>> This is so and so, calling from third-party on behalf of your carrier sir!

Why are you and not my carrier calling?

>> We are calling on their behalf to see if your current plan meets your current and future needs sir!

I've already answered that question in a previous call from you.

>> Really? Well is that still the case?

If I wanted to change my plan I would call my carrier directly.

>>  We just want to know if you are happy sir!

Well I can tell you that the 100 or so calls I've had to ignore from you over the last several months are what is not making me happy

>> I thought you said you spoke with us before?

I did, twice out of all of those calls I was able to answer the phone and speak with you.  Nothing has changed since then why do I keep getting these calls?

>> We just want to make sure you're happy sir!

Well I can tell you this, as I am not under any contract with my carrier please inform them that if I get even ONE more call from your 'third-party on behalf of....'  I will be cancelling my services with them.

>> Because of a courtesy call sir?

What?

>> I said, because of a courtesy call sir?

You think this is a 'courtesy' to me?  Calling me well over 100 times over a period of several months is not a COURTESY CALL!!!

>> Well sir, If you would like to be removed from our list I can certainly do that.  Please be advised though it can take up to 14 days.

All I can tell you is if I receive even one more call from you I will be cancelling with my carrier, a call which I will make to them DIRECTLY and in which I will clearly let them know that your 'third-party on behalf of' is the reason for my cancellation.

>> Alright sir, is there anything else we can do for you?

<takes phone from ear and looks incredulously at the phone in his hand>

No.  Just make sure you don't call me again.

 

 

 

Of course I realize I could just 'block' their number from my phone etc. etc.  I just felt the very little bit of 'humour' I could muster at the words "COURTESY CALL" needed sharing!

O:)

 

Here's hoping everyone's day is humming along!

 

71,895 views 12 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Happens all the time, even if you're on the National Do Not Call Registry! I usually give them about 10 quick FU's and hang up!  >:(

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

Similar experience here, with more than one such operation.  Last one was a 'courtesy' call to see how my Windows experience was going.  "Fine, thanks.  Click"  Probably related to this.  All very annoying, especially since I pay for our number to be 'unpublished' - can't stop robodialers, however.

Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

 

I pay to be 'unpublished' and am also on the 'do-not-call' registry but I swear 'Amy' and 'Erica' didn't start offering me cruises and/or other fabulous holidays until I got 'listed' on that do-not-call registry!  Oh well....

 

The calls from this 'third-party-on-behalf-of-my carrier' seemed different than those calls from Erica or Amy since not only did they know my name and carrier they also knew which plan I had (incl. all options etc.) and when I 'tested' them they knew various other account details without any help from me.

Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top

Good job Monk  :thumbsup:

I would have however, contacted the provider letting them know the issue.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting myfist0, reply 4

I would have however, contacted the provider letting them know the issue.

 

 

I plan to.

 

One thing I have noticed is that these calls from this 'third party on behalf of carrier' seemed to start soon after I 'opted-out' of certain 'allow-us-to-contact-you' options via the carrier's website account management.  Now I'm wondering when you 'opt-out' of allowing the carrier to contact you periodically DIRECTLY if what you're really doing is allowing them to turn around and sell your info to any number of these 'third-party-on-behalf-of-carrier' companies.  Might be a sneaky way for them to get around telemarketing rules/legislation?

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Monk...just block the number...then laugh like a demented fiend.  ;)

With the time you save on those calls, think of how much you can get done on the "How to secure Your Computer" thing for WC.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Blocking may or may not be an available option.  Long-distance calls are not blockable with Quest here, though it looks like any number is blockable with Cox digital.  Haven't resorted to that feature yet.

Reply #8 from Elemental Forums Top


I lodge complaints with my carrier that their 'third party' is harassing me with calls. I've been given discounts several times and the calls stop....for a time...but they always seem to pick up again, despite be not being on there caller's list.

 

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I give callers about 2 seconds to start talking....if they haven't...or if I hear that background 'call center' sound [very easy to spot]...I simply hang up before they open their gobs.

Reply #10 from Elemental Forums Top

Bottom line: the use of language has degenerated.  Anyone in sales, (and many other 'professions' feel it is quite acceptable to cable something it is not in an attempt to get under a prospect's radar.  When done impersonally, from a phone boiler room type place, it gets worse.  You can't get at the person calling.  They are a poorly paid drone following a script.  Sad.  Sad for us, sad for the drones calling using a script. 

I gave up trying to get the callers to stop.  They won't.  Just save the number on your phone with a note:  'slime caller.'  When I ( see it I ignore the call).   FYI, I'm up to 'slime caller #6') LOL.

Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top

I feel like it would be better to just troll such people...

Reply #12 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Volt_Cruelerz, reply 11

I feel like it would be better to just troll such people...

 

Back in the day, I tried an interesting approach.  I demanded upfront payment for my time on the phone with them.  When, not if, they refused, I hung up.  Now I don't bother.