I finally figured it out. Just like you, I get one or two callers every evening who are soliciting something.
I used to be so infuriated by the annoyance to receive one of those calls during the news or in the midst of whatever (no, not that.) “LEAVBE ME THE F… ALONE ALREADY!!!”
Not long ago, I received one of those telephone solicitors’ calls. Instead of being mad and rude and hang up on her after she asked me “May I speak to the owner of the house?” I don’t know what possessed me to answer in that manner but I simply and cordially replied with a solemn composure “No” and I shut up sadistically waiting for some reaction. Startled and confused she retaliated with “Is the owner of the house there?” and I said “Yes” and I shut up. She said “Huh” and she hung up.
I thought to myself, victoriously, is it that simple?
Since that time, I have decided that if I can’t beat them, I might as well have fun with them.
Lately, the police are getting ready for their 4th of July bash. Last week, they called for later regretting they did.
“Hi. I am so and so and I am calling ….. 4th of July BBQ for our kids.”
I replied: “Oh, I am so glad you called, I am a Realtor® and I am on the fund raising committee of our local Board of Realtors® to raise money for our 4th BBQ festiva too. Can I have your name and the name of all the police members on the force so I can call them to participate to fund our party?”
He said: “Thank you.” and hung up.
Another one called two days later for the same goal but his approach was cleverer: “Hello is this John?”
I replied: “Who is asking?”
The man: “I am so and so from your police precinct and your were referred to us by one of our officer’s wife who spoke very highly of you.”
Me: “That’s nice. What is her name and phone number so I can call her to thank her personally for her great recommendation?”
The man: “We are not allowed to disclose the name of our officers’ wives for it is confidential.”
Me: “Then how about the officer’s name so I can thank him properly? If his wife knows me, then he must know me too.”
The man: “It is against our policy. I am sorry but I can’t give that out.”
**Me: “If you can’t tell me her name or the officer’s name, then I can safely assume that you are making all of this up.”
Then I continue and asked him “Are you a cop?”
The man: “Yes I am.”
“Can I have your badge number for my own security measure?” I asked.
The man continues: “We are not allowed to give that out as well.”
Me: “How do I know that you are who you say you are?”
The man replies: “We are the police and we would not represent ourselves to be policemen if we were not.”
Me: “You don’t even have a number on my caller ID; therefore, if can’t properly identify yourself to me, then you will understand why I am going to hang up on you.”
He hung up in frustration first.
So, don’t get mad. Have fun instead.
John