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Alright, I've had it up to HERE!

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  • realJSOPR realJSOP

    Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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    John Fisher
    wrote on last edited by
    #3

    It certainly sounds like you've got the motivation, and I'd like to know if the following idea really works. Call them up, tell them you're recording the conversation, and state explicitly that if they call you again, you will charge them $$$$ for your time. Thank them for their interest in your services and hang up. If/when they call back, send them a bill. If/when they fail to pay, sue them. At this point, you're on far better footing than the person who sued because the coffee burned them when the spilled it... John :D

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    • realJSOPR realJSOP

      Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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      Ranjan Banerji
      wrote on last edited by
      #4

      I feel your pain :-). Have been wanting to do something similar myself. I did once play a trick with AT&T. I told them that the conversation (about removing me from their list) was being recorded and that despite several such conversations they have not removed me from the list. I went on to say that this recording will be kept and will be used in any legal action that may arise if I get more calls from AT&T. I never got another call. Now I do not know if it was my bluff or just that they finally acted on my first request from months ago. :-) Either way, one junk caller less. Now I get calls from various mortgage lenders asking me to refinance. :-(

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      • realJSOPR realJSOP

        Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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        Anders Molin
        wrote on last edited by
        #5

        John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote: I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. I don't know if it's possible to do with a voice modem, but you could get a small Dialogic Board (very expensive), do a lot of programming and you have what you want. - Anders Money talks, but all mine ever says is "Goodbye!"

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        • N Nish Nishant

          It's always puzzled me that after so many years of caller-identification we are yet to have a phone that has a block list :-( Nish


          Author of the romantic comedy Summer Love and Some more Cricket [New Win] Review by Shog9 Click here for review[NW]

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          Paul Watson
          wrote on last edited by
          #6

          Nishant S wrote: It's always puzzled me that after so many years of caller-identification we are yet to have a phone that has a block list Isn't it obvious Nish? The caller ID manufacturers are in cahoots with the spam-phoners.

          Paul Watson
          Bluegrass
          Cape Town, South Africa

          Macbeth muttered: I am in blood / Stepped in so far, that should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er DavidW wrote: You are totally mad. Nice.

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          • realJSOPR realJSOP

            Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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            benjymous
            wrote on last edited by
            #7

            Caller ID works without answering the call, right? So the PC would know who's calling without answering the line All you'd need would be to have the PC's modem connected to the phone line, and some kind of computer controlled relay switch box that disconnects all the phones in the house from the main line until the PC decides that the connection is allowed Unwanted calls could be answered automatically and a "Go away, I don't know you" message played You could also rig up the computer to play a sound out of the speakers when it decides a call is allowed - i.e. "Your Mother is calling!" The other option, if you don't want to build custom hardware, is just to make the computer auto answer when the caller id isn't in it's allowed database, but I don't know if that'd prevent a chirp from all the phones when the call first comes in [edit] Maybe one of these will do what you want http://yippee.i4free.co.nz/html/win/utilities/modemtoolsandaccessories.htm[^] -- Help me! I'm turning into a grapefruit!

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            • N Nish Nishant

              It's always puzzled me that after so many years of caller-identification we are yet to have a phone that has a block list :-( Nish


              Author of the romantic comedy Summer Love and Some more Cricket [New Win] Review by Shog9 Click here for review[NW]

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              Lost User
              wrote on last edited by
              #8

              Most tele-marketers numbers come through as 'Unknown'. So ignore all 'Unknown' callers I hear you say - except that sometimes out of state callers come through as unknown and all calls I get from England come through as unknown. We have just has a no-call list introduced in Colorado, USA and it seems to have cut the number of calls I get by about 80%! Joel VssConnect - Remote SourceSafe(r) Access http://www.voxcode.com[^]

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              • N Nish Nishant

                It's always puzzled me that after so many years of caller-identification we are yet to have a phone that has a block list :-( Nish


                Author of the romantic comedy Summer Love and Some more Cricket [New Win] Review by Shog9 Click here for review[NW]

                realJSOPR Offline
                realJSOPR Offline
                realJSOP
                wrote on last edited by
                #9

                Not so much a block list as an approved caller list (surely a lot smaller than the list of people you do not want to hear from). ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                • realJSOPR realJSOP

                  Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                  brianwelsch
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #10

                  You can arrange to block calls from certain numbers, you can also set up to not accept calls that are blocking their caller ID info. From AT&T help site[^]: You are provided with a PIN that enables you to block: Long Distance (LD) calls Operator assisted calls Specific telephone numbers Specific area codes or exchanges All outgoing calls BW "We get general information and specific information, but none of the specific information talks about time, place or methods or means..." - Tom Ridge - US Secretary of Homeland Security

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                  • realJSOPR realJSOP

                    Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                    Brad Bruce
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #11

                    Check with your local phone company. Such a system already exists. 1. Calls on the approved #s list ring through. 2. If it's someone you know, but on a different phone, they can enter a code and ring through. 3. If it's someone else they are prompted to say their name. You get a special ring and when you hear the name (calling party doesn't know), you can a. answer, b. send to voice-mail or c. tell them to remove you from their list. Brad Bruce

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                    • realJSOPR realJSOP

                      Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                      Daniel Turini
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #12

                      John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. IIRC, the caller ID is transmitted between the first and the second ring (at least, in Brazilian phone system). So, you'd need a phone that skips the first ring, and, depending on the processing speed, the second ring too.


                      It's not the fall that kills you: it's the sudden stop - Down by Law, Jim Jamursch (1986)

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                      • realJSOPR realJSOP

                        Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                        brianwelsch
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #13

                        Another option is to go to cell phone. That's all I have and I never get telemarketers. BW "We get general information and specific information, but none of the specific information talks about time, place or methods or means..." - Tom Ridge - US Secretary of Homeland Security

                        realJSOPR A K 3 Replies Last reply
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                        • B brianwelsch

                          Another option is to go to cell phone. That's all I have and I never get telemarketers. BW "We get general information and specific information, but none of the specific information talks about time, place or methods or means..." - Tom Ridge - US Secretary of Homeland Security

                          realJSOPR Offline
                          realJSOPR Offline
                          realJSOP
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #14

                          I absoluely hate talking on something that small... Besides that, I've dropped mine a couple of times, so the speaker ain't that well off any more... ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                          • B brianwelsch

                            Another option is to go to cell phone. That's all I have and I never get telemarketers. BW "We get general information and specific information, but none of the specific information talks about time, place or methods or means..." - Tom Ridge - US Secretary of Homeland Security

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                            Alvaro Mendez
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #15

                            I get them on mine, from one of my credit card companies, about once every two months. My immediate response: "Thanks, I'm not interested. [click]". Regards, Alvaro


                            Quitters never win. Winners never quit. But those who never win and never quit are idiots. -- despair.com

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                            • realJSOPR realJSOP

                              Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                              Phil Speller
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #16

                              You can use the various AT commands to configure your modem. Here's a link to the only page I've found so far that indicates what a modem will do with CID enabled[^]. My guess would be to configure the modem receive CID info, but *not* be in auto-answer mode. When you get the appropriate info back from the modem, your software could choose to answer the call and play the appropriate "greeting" or just leave the phone(s) ringing. Not sure how you'd play the actual greeting, but it will be possible with a voice modem - there is probably an extended AT command set to either play a pre-recorded message or stream one to the modem. This site[^] seems to indicate that the CID info is sent between the first and second ring. Thus, this method (if it works) wouldn't stop the phones ringing altogther - don't know if there is a way to delay your phones ringing for a while??? Cheers, Phil

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                              • realJSOPR realJSOP

                                Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                                wayward
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #17

                                John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote: Does ANYONE have any ideas? You could try an anti script: http://www.xs4all.nl/~egbg/counterscript.html[^] or http://www.junkbusters.com/telemarketing.html[^] There are also a few states in the US that already have laws to prevent these kind of calls. As I live in the UK, I can help you with that. If you do live in one of the lucky states then you can get them with a hefty fine.. James.

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                                • realJSOPR realJSOP

                                  Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                                  Stuart van Weele
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #18

                                  If you really want to hurt the telemarketers, see how long you can keep them on the line before they hang up. Start by asking every question imaginable about what they are selling, then reask the same questions in a slightly different order. If they are still on the line after this, branch the conversation off into bowel problems and cyst removal. Start in on your sexual preferences, while asking the telemarketer what he / she looks like and what they have on. Remember the longer you keep them on the line, the less their commision will be.

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                                  • realJSOPR realJSOP

                                    Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                                    Michael Dunn
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #19

                                    Off-topic, but what you should do is demand to be put on their do-not-call list. If you can prove that you've done so (either record the call, with the other party's permission; or get a written notice from the company that they have put you on their do-not-call list), and they call you again, you can sue for (I think) $500. Of course, whether you're up to doing all that work is up to you. --Mike--    THERE IS NO     THERE IS NO    BUT THERE IS MAGIC PIXIE DUST  BUSINESS GENIE  CODE PROJECT BUY MY SOFTWARE!! (please?) RightClick-Encrypt | 1ClickPicGrabber My IntarWeb Homepgae!!!11

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                                    • realJSOPR realJSOP

                                      Every day for the last 7 days, we have had a message left on our answering machine from AT&T Long Distance trying to sell us long distance service. The first six of those times, my wife called them to tell them to remove our phone number from the call list. Yesterday, it was my turn. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly pissed off and I talked to no fewer than four people and read them all the riot act (and in no uncertain terms, ie shouting and much profanity). While I felt somewhat relieved, I realize that nothing I say will remove my phone number from these tele-vultures, so I've struck on an idea. I want to write a program that will perform the following actions: 1) Answer the phone line BEFORE it physically rings my phones. 2) Support caller ID 3) Allow me to enter "approved" caller ID's that are immediately passed through to the real phones in the house. 4) Allow me to specify that anyone calling with blocked caller ID is given a short insulting message (about them being the scum of the earth, stating probably sexual orientation, questioning the quality of their parental heritage, etc), and hanging up on them. 5) Allow me to specify any number of "secret codes" that can be manually entered by the caller that will forward the call to the regular phones. I want to do this so that the only thing the user needs is a computer, a voice modem, and this software. Does ANYONE have any ideas? ------- signature starts "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 Please review the Legal Disclaimer in my bio. ------- signature ends

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                                      Kant
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #20

                                      Subcribe to the SBC Privacy Manager[^] Privacy Manager®: Features That Save You Time A great feature of Privacy Manager is that it stops unwanted, calls. These unwanted calls may be from telemarketers or others. Privacy Manager will intercept private calls, unwanted calls, and blocked calls that do not show a telephone number on a Caller ID display. It also lets you tailor your phone service by allowing people to connect directly to you when they use a PIN that you select. In some areas, you will hear a distinctive ring when callers use the PIN you gave them to bypass Privacy Manager. Privacy Manager intercepts unidentified calls without an incoming phone number before your phone even rings. More Info...[^] Follow live World Cup Cricket scores here[^]
                                      What is Cricket?[^]

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                                      • S Stuart van Weele

                                        If you really want to hurt the telemarketers, see how long you can keep them on the line before they hang up. Start by asking every question imaginable about what they are selling, then reask the same questions in a slightly different order. If they are still on the line after this, branch the conversation off into bowel problems and cyst removal. Start in on your sexual preferences, while asking the telemarketer what he / she looks like and what they have on. Remember the longer you keep them on the line, the less their commision will be.

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                                        Chris Meech
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #21

                                        That's kinda like my response. After the initial hello's I ask them to please hold. I put down the phone and go back to whatever I was doing. When I check back in about an hour, they are never there. Funny that, eh! :evil grin: Chris Meech "what makes CP different is the people and sense of community, things people will only discover if they join up and join in." Christian Graus Nov 14, 2002. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! Those leaks are driving me crazy! How does one finds a memory leak in a garbage collected environment ??! Daniel Turini Nov. 2, 2002.

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                                        • B brianwelsch

                                          Another option is to go to cell phone. That's all I have and I never get telemarketers. BW "We get general information and specific information, but none of the specific information talks about time, place or methods or means..." - Tom Ridge - US Secretary of Homeland Security

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                                          Kant
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #22

                                          brianwelsch wrote: Another option is to go to cell phone. That's all I have and I never get telemarketers But if you need to subscribe to cable, they need Landline Phone. ;) Follow live World Cup Cricket scores here[^]
                                          What is Cricket?[^]

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