I think it should be a law that a telemarketer's first question should be, "would you like to hear an advertisement?" And if someone answers no, then they have to hang up. I realize this would greatly decrease their business, but I think if they are using your private line they should have to ask permission first.
-- fence, Aug 03 2000

Telemarketer Revealer http://www.halfbake...marketer_20Revealer
[egnor, Aug 03 2000, last modified Oct 04 2004]

'Enigma' anti telespammer software. http://www.verinet.com/~geoff/Enigma/
Doesn't stop them, but lets you fight back. [StarChaser, Aug 03 2000, last modified Oct 04 2004]

Junkbusters anti-telemarketing script http://www.junkbust...m/ht/en/script.html
Another approach: use a script against them. Make them pay with their time and phone bill. [rmutt, Aug 03 2000, last modified Oct 04 2004]

EGBG anti-telemarketing script http://www.xs4all.n.../counterscript.html
Complete with instructions for uncooperative telemarketers. Pit your script against theirs and let them fight it out - better than Pokemon! [jutta, Oct 20 2002]

...or just hang up.
-- hippo, Aug 04 2000


Yes, I know, but then there's my sweet, wonderful mother in law who will not ever hang up on anyone. I've been at her house when she listens on and on and on trying to politely say, "no thank you". Of course, we have all told her to just hang up, she won't! If she had a chance to say "No, I wouldn't like to hear an advertisement" I think she would. But, I like the Telemarketer Revealer idea better than mine because then she wouldn't have to pick up the phone at all.
-- fence, Aug 04 2000


Telespammers are required by law to maintain a 'do not call' list, and if you request it, to put you on it for 10 years. If they call you again after that, you can sue them for 500$ a shot. There's a program to keep track of who called you, but I don't remember it's name right off. If our resident search-engine ninja runs across it, he may be inspired...

I hate telespammers. I dislike people who don't take no for an answer. I take every opportunity I can to give them a hard time to encourage them to find a more socially acceptable job, like prostitution. I find it greatly annoying that I must either suffer their calls or pay more to keep them from using something I pay for for my own convienence.

Fence, if they'd take 'No, and do not call me again' for an answer, I'd love it.

(added) Found it. Called 'Enigma'.
-- StarChaser, Aug 05 2000



random, halfbakery