How to Defeat Telemarketers and Scammers: The Ultimate Hanging Up Strategy

Introduction

The prevalence of telemarketers and scammers has reached an all-time high, causing severe frustration and intrusion into our lives. These persistent callers can be incredibly annoying and even dangerous. But there's hope. Through strategic and sometimes simply aggressive measures, you can effectively ward off unwanted calls and keep your peace of mind. This article will explore effective strategies and techniques to deal with these persistent callers.

The Myth of Just Hanging Up

Many people believe that simply hanging up on a telemarketer or scammer will deter them from calling again. Unfortunately, research indicates that the opposite might be true. Scammers and telemarketers often view individuals who have interacted with them as prime targets. If they can get you to engage in the call, even briefly, they are more likely to continue calling back.

Effective Hanging-Up Strategies

One of the most effective strategies is to get scammers and telemarketers to hang up first. By doing so, you send a clear message that you are not interested in engaging further. Here are some strategies that can help you achieve this:

1. Mimic the Caller

One user on the internet found that simply telling the caller, 'Let me call you right back at the number you're calling from, I'm on the other line with a client,' has been incredibly effective. This often causes the scammer or telemarketer to hang up immediately, as they realize their time is being wasted. Here's how you might use it:

“Let me call you right back at the number you're calling from, I'm on the other line with a client.”

It's understandable that some scammers might argue, 'You can't call me back, I'm a scammer.' However, this is often an admission of their scam and a way to accidentally reveal they're not who they claim to be.

2. Abuse Them Verbally (Optional)

Another tactic is to verbally abuse the caller. While this might seem aggressive, it can effectively get the caller to hang up. However, be cautious as this method can escalate the situation and may not be suitable for all. Here's an example:

“I ABUSE them very loud and violent—-—and DONT care re what THEY and OTHERS think.

One user even had someone tell them, 'You can't call me back I'm a scammer,' which is a sign that your tactic is working.

Another Weapon: Call Screening

In addition to direct confrontation, you can use technology to your advantage. Users have found success with automated phone call screening. An automated system can require callers to input a random digit before connecting. Since telemarketers and scammers often rely on robotic dialers, this system can effectively prevent their calls from going through in the first place. Here's how it works:

I have an automated screening on my phone line. In order to call me you have to first punch in some single-digit number the automation gives you at random, then the call connects.

Robots dialing random numbers cannot handle being given a random number to connect the call, thus the call never goes through. This effectively eliminates the need for you to engage with the scammer or telemarketer at all.

Conclusion

Dealing with telemarketers and scammers can be challenging, but by employing effective strategies and utilizing modern technology, you can take control of your phone line. Whether it's getting them to hang up or using automated systems to screen calls, there are multiple methods to empower you in protecting yourself from unwanted and potentially harmful calls.

If you have found other strategies that work for you, or if you have any questions, feel free to share your experiences in the comment section below. Together, we can protect ourselves and minimize the intrusion of unwanted telemarketers and scammers.