Happy Thanksgiving and Revenge on Telemarketer Amanda

Despite the federal Do Not Call registry that keeps most telemarketers away from our telephones, some do still slip through.

These shady operators use U.S. area codes to try to circumvent Uncle Sam’s and your own smartphone’s defenses to get you to buy something.

In my case, it is car insurance. At least once a day, some telemarketing sweatshop in Pakistan or India autodials my number and tries to sell me car insurance.

I have car insurance. Actually, really good car insurance. I don’t want or need new car insurance.

So today “Amanda” calls with a Wyoming phone number and says, “Hi Todd (how does she know my name?). I’d like to tell you how you can save on your car insurance.”

To which I answered, “Oh, Amanda, I’ve been hoping you’d call. I’d really like to invite you over for Thanksgiving next week so you can meet my family, especially my young grandson!”

Amanda struggles on.

“Todd, we can save you hundreds of dollars on your car insurance.”

“Amanda, Amanda,” I answer. “Let’s catch up before we dive right into business. It’s rude just to talk business. So, how you been?”

“We can lower your rates,” “Amanda” soldiers on.

“I’m so disappointed in you, Amanda,” I fake exclaim. “Here it is you finally call me and all you want to do it sell me car insurance. Come on, Amanda, talk to me! What’s up?”

CLICK!

I always claim victory when the telemarketers hang up on me. But if “Amanda” shows up for Thanksgiving dinner next week all the way from the Subcontinent, I guess the joke will be on me. But I’m still not buying her car insurance.