Was this a boiler room scam? And...

Gillybean

How do I find out how they got my number in the first place???

I got a cal today asking me if I'd be interested in investing in fine wines as a commodity- this is cutting a lot of waffle very short. I said no, our finances are all tied up right now and no spare cash to invest elsewhere, thank you. She then asked if she could simply send info to me. I asked how she got hold of my number and immediately the phone went dead.

Was this a 'boiler room' scam? Certainly sounds like it. If so, how can these people get my number and how can I further prevent it? I'm registered with TPS, ex- directory, but what else can prevent this?

Or maybe you guys can give me some tips on how to have a bit of fun at their expense, if there's no way of stopping them calling? :cool:

Oblivion

Gillybean wrote: »

Or maybe you guys can give me some tips on how to have a bit of fun at their expense, if there's no way of stopping them calling? :cool:

We haven't bothered to go ex-directory, but we do have a digital answer machine which is always on, and informs callers that " .... we do not accept calls from telesales companies .... blah blah". It has proved very effective in screening out all but the most determined cold callers.

For those who persist through to the end of my message and still ask if I'm home, my standard method is to pick up the phone and when they ask for me I say "Oh no, he's in the garden, I'm his brother ... hang on I'll just go and fetch him". Then I just put the phone down and go and do something else, leaving them hanging on the other end for as long as they like. :rotfl:

dadsarmy

I used to have a tape player which would tell them all about the benefits of my small business - while I carried on what I was doing before the call.

Oblivion

dadsarmy wrote: »

I used to have a tape player which would tell them all about the benefits of my small business - while I carried on what I was doing before the call.

Apologies, this is straying a little off topic, but if you want to hear one of the funniest (IMHO) responses to an unwanted telesales call, you've just got to listen to this Utube recording. Just put yourself in the position of the telesales marketer who started the call, but now wouldn't dare try to end it ... classic ........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sDKpa7D-TI&feature=related

.