Unwanted calls can feel like a constant battle, but there’s a clever way to turn the tables on telemarketers. While most of us rush to reject calls from unknown numbers, a different approach might just leave the caller scrambling—and make you feel like you’ve won the exchange.
Strategies to handle telemarketing calls
When it comes to dealing with telemarketing calls, people tend to fall into a few camps. Some rely on apps to identify and block spam numbers. Others take the more manual route, blocking suspicious area codes or ignoring calls from numbers they don’t recognize altogether.
But there’s a third, more unconventional group that chooses to pick up. Instead of shutting down the call immediately, they play along, using the opportunity to waste the telemarketer’s time. And there’s one specific question that’s proving especially effective at catching these callers off guard.
The one question telemarketers hate
If you decide to answer a telemarketer’s call, let them start their pitch. After a few seconds, calmly ask:
“How did you get my phone number?”
This simple question is often enough to throw the caller off their script. Many telemarketers won’t have a prepared response or the authority to explain where your personal information came from. Faced with an unexpected question, they might panic, stumble through their answer, or even hang up altogether.
The key here is patience. Telemarketing operations are designed to process calls quickly, moving from one prospect to the next with minimal downtime. If the caller realizes you’re not going to be a quick win, they’re likely to drop the call and move on. It’s a small but satisfying victory in the fight against spam calls.
Does this method stop repeat calls?
While this technique can derail a single call, it won’t guarantee that the telemarketer’s company won’t call you again. Many telemarketing platforms operate with rotating phone numbers, which makes it harder to block them permanently. However, combining this method with blocking the caller’s number after the conversation can reduce the chances of repeat calls.
It’s worth noting that telemarketers often work from large databases, and it’s not uncommon for your number to reappear in their system under a new caller ID. Even so, blocking each spam number after you’ve used this trick can help cut down on the overall volume of calls.
A satisfying way to handle the hassle
For anyone tired of ignoring unsolicited calls or relying solely on apps, answering the call and flipping the script with a simple question can feel empowering. By asking, “How did you get my number?” you’re not just pushing back—you’re also challenging companies to rethink their invasive practices.
It may not stop the problem entirely, but turning an annoyance into an opportunity for a little mischief can make dealing with telemarketers just a bit more enjoyable. And at the very least, you’ll have a story to share the next time the topic of spam calls comes up.