Getting a few too many telemarketing calls, unsolicited offers, or advertising inserts in your bills? Try these passive-aggressive ways of managing your blood pressure and harming the business practices of "junk marketers."
HOLD, PLEASE...
Rather than hang up on a telemarketer, simply say, "Hold, please," and set down the phone. When you hear the "beep-beep-beep," you know he's hung up and you can return the handset to the cradle.
POUND IT...
Ever get calls with no one on the line? Telemarketing machines call you to record when you answer so someone can call when you'll be home. If you get this kind of call, press the # key six or seven times. It confuses the machine and makes you feel better.
RE-ADVERTISING...
Why toss advertising inserts from your utility bills when you can send them back with your check? Better still, include them with every postage-paid return envelope from unsolicited offers. It costs you nothing, but it costs the bulk mailer postage and handling fees. If nothing else, send back an empty envelope. They still have to pay, but they don't have any information about you.
