Skirting the Law?

RedDog · Nov 6, 2003

When ever I get a call it usually starts out,,,, I'm calling you on behalf of _____ credit card. As soon as they get that out of there mouth, I ask them what they are wearing? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I don't care if it is a man or woman I still ask.

I had one woman tell me,, sir I don't have to answer that, I said you do if you want to keep talking. She said why. I said because I like to "visualize" who I'm talking to. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I figure they are calling long distance, and I'm gonna make the most of it.

I have also sent back the postage paid envelopes with nothing in them just so they have to pay postage!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

If they are gonna bug me, they are gonna pay for it.

RedDog Kioti DK65

fivestring · Nov 6, 2003

"I have also sent back the postage paid envelopes with nothing in them just so they have to pay postage!! "

That's exactly what we do. Sometimes I even put other companies' junk mail in the postage paid envelope. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Junkman · Nov 6, 2003

Usually those computer generated calls are from someone that you do have a relationship with, such as your credit card company. I got one a few weeks ago and it was Citi Bank asking if I had made a Internet purchase for $1200 (approx.). I hadn't and I hadn't lost my credit card either. The charge was declined because they had checked with me because even though it was within my credit line, it was outside of my normal credit charging habits. I never charge that much at one time on that card, so they called. If I hadn't waited and they didn't get an answer from me, the charge might have gone through and then I would have had the hassle of getting it removed. I will give them a chance to answer, because I know that the dialer system is a way for them to save time and sometimes the call is important. My time hasn't become that valuable yet that 20 or 30 seconds is going to make a difference in my life. That one call probably saved me many hours of grief trying to get it removed. They also sent me a replacement card to use the next day as a security precaution.

Golfgar4 · Nov 6, 2003

That's a good thought! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I've had my credit card company call and ask me the same questions, but they've always had a real person make the contact. Not that they couldn't have changed to a new computerized system.

I'll have to consider modifying my routines. Maybe I'll wait for those few extra seconds, and when a person gets on the line and I find out that it's something I'm not interested in, I'll ask them if they are returning my call. When they say no, I would then say, "Well, then what makes you think I want to talk to you?" and then hnag up. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Big_A · Nov 6, 2003

I got a call from my C.C. company the other day almost thirty seconds after I had charged something online. It was almost scary to think that they new EXACTLY when, and what I authorized. It was only a $19.99 charge. I felt pretty good about it until I realized that they are watching me!

I hate when you go to a local branch store and they ask for your phone #, Zip code, etc. I always say no and I get this look like I'm the bad guy. I'm half tempted to go to one of these stores and walk up to the service desk and ask the manager for their phone number. One time, when one of these cash register Zippy's asked for my phone # I said, "Why, you want to go on a date?" You could have bought him for a quarter!

Bird · Nov 6, 2003

( I felt pretty good about it until I realized that they are watching me! )

Adam, I've had a credit card company call me 3 times in the last couple of months to verify charges that were way, way below my credit limit, but larger than normal charges for me. And I sent'em an e-mail thankin' 'em for calling. They were all legitimate charges, but this is one situation in which I'm glad they are watching me. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

slowrev · Nov 6, 2003

One thing that must be realized is that the law was written with intentional loopholes for the telemarketing industry.

Junkman · Nov 6, 2003

The credit approval machines are designed to kick out any charges that are outside of your normal purchasing habits. If you frequent a pet shop, then it will allow any pet shop charge to go through as long as it isn't a overly high amount. If you visit a sporting goods store and make a purchase of more than a certain amount even if it isn't excessive, it will kick out the first purchase for verification. This is how they keep fraud down to a minimum. They track your buying habits.
As for the clerk asking for a telephone number, zip code, or any other information, you don't have to give it. The only thing that a store may do when accepting a credit card is to ask for a photo ID to verify the signature on the card. They are not allowed to record any other information. The reason that they ask for a zip code is to know where the customer is coming from and to possibly consider a store in that area if there is sufficient number of customers coming from that area. I always give them one that is in Alaska or some other far away place. As of January 1, 2004 ALL credit card processing machines are required to only print the last 4 digits of your credit card on the sales draft. I am not sure how they are handling the stores that don't have electronic machines and still use a manual imprinter. A store doesn't have to accept your check, but they do have to accept your credit card if they display the logo of the card in the store. The state regulations may vary, but the comments above are from the credit card companies and they don't vary. I have noticed that the telephone and electric companies are trying to get you to use your SS number for verification purposes. I tell them to read the front of the SS card. It clearly states, it isn't for ID purposes. Also, never give out your DOB because that is another way that they can steal your identity. When a credit card issuing company asks for your mothers maiden name to be used for verification purposes, use a fictitious one. If a crook has a little information about you that is good, they can find out the rest with little to no difficulty....... How is that for going off topic!!!!!

em14 · Nov 6, 2003

"How is that for going off topic!!!!! " Well at least it was interesting!
Leo

frank_f15 · Nov 6, 2003

( I have also sent back the postage paid envelopes with nothing in them just so they have to pay postage )
i like to take the adds that are sent with my bils and put them in an envelope with my payment, with a note telling them i was not interested in the product they enclosed but mabey they would like this one. don't really do any good , but makes me feel better. but i really love your idea about sending back an empty envelope. will do that from now on