This is is part of the Telemarketing Scum Page as I put it up in 1996. Most of the website is now focused on less aggressive scripts, but the idea remains the same. The main site is at www.scn.org/~bk269/telemarketing.html

This is becoming more prevalent as the slimier operations have taken to avoiding giving their identity.
(... but it becomes less of a problem now that the business which engaged the telemarketer is directly responsible for telescum action. It seems that the FTC and FCC (US) consider telemarketers to be incapable of being responsible for anything!)

If you feel particularly aggressive (but calm), wait until they want a piece of information and say you don't trust them because you believe they are chronic liers (referencing their earlier statement) and that you don't really trust them with new information. Point out:

• "(the company they claim to be employed by) never hires dead-enders because of the economics."
• "Instead, they go to places like Utah, Arizona, and parts of the Midwest, etc. where they can find people who have no moral qualms about telling people whatever the true employer tells them to say. (Use your best guess as to where they're from.) Imagine someone in (your city) being asked to lie to strangers! No way - they'd tell the kingpins to forget it! Most of the drug dealers wouldn't do that here, and certainly not consistently. They have to go where people can be paid to have no personal values."
• "If it weren't for welfare reform, the telemarketing business would have dried up long ago."
• "It's too bad people feel they have to lie, just to keep the most despicible despised job in America. Right in front of (name something political)."
• "I hope I'm not talking over your head."

Enhance Morale

The cue to this one is the telemarketer mentioning they're relatively new.

First ask how long have most workers there been there. Then ask the obvious --

• Do you get paid straight salary or commission?
• Did your boss tell you you'll make more commission than you can realistically expect?
• Have you been duped into working for less than minimum wage? (If this is the case, suggest they inquire with the state employment security office.)
• How scrupulous is your company about obeying the law?
• Are you told to represent yourself as an employee of the contractor?
• Are you happy working there?
• Would you be afraid to tell the FTC and your state's attorney general of any violations of the law?

and if they ask Why?

Ask what attempts have they made to only call those people who have requested to be annoyed.

site first posted November 3, 1996
rev October 8, 2007 copyright 1996, S. Protigal