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Blogs by Dennis N. Griffin
Do-Not-Call Registry 8/8/2007 10:23:41 AM
Chalk one up for the scammers. I registered all my phone numbers with the National Do-Not-Call Registry. I've been satisfied with the reduction in the number of unwanted solicitations - in fact, they've dropped almost to zero.But I've got this one outfit that's called twice now, and I thought I'd make them my first formal complaint to the Registry.
The troublemaker operates this way. You receive a pre-recorded call stating that you're being contacted about your credit card accounts. The voice says there is no immediate problem with your account, but it would be a good idea to get your interest rate reduced. If you want to speak with a representative press 1.
I wasn't interested in whatever they were selling, but did want to get more info regarding who these people were and why they called in spite of my Do-Not-Call status. I pressed 1.
A human came on the line and was ready to start his spiel. I cut him off and asked him to identify himself and his company. Click.
About a week later I got another call. Again I pressed 1. This time a woman answered. She dumped me as soon as I asked for identification information. That's when I decided to make a complaint.
Today I called the Registry. After listening to my story the representative told me it was unlikely anything could be done. She explained that the Pensacola, Fla number that displayed on my caller ID was probably not a valid number. If I tried to call it I'd find it was disconnected or otherwise not in service. It turned out she was right. The number was indeed disconnected.
Apparently the Registry is only of use if you're being bothered by a legitimate business. The scammers know how to set things up so that caller ID functions are ineffective. And, as in my case, if you don't bite but instead start asking questions, they drop you and move on to the next potential victim.
