<![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I used to work in a Chase banking center as a Personal Banker. This type of behavior does not shock me. They even did it to me when I worked for them. A person that spoke broken English wanted to "Send me information". I said for him not to bother, as I worked for them and would not be interested. I then hung up. Ten days later, we had been billed for Identity Theft Protection. I left them to go work at a car dealership in the Finance office because I found Chase to be too high pressure in their sales practices (yes, you did just read that correctly).

ViljoCrow

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @fumducket: You caught me, encyclopedia brown. Anyone who doesn't reflexively take the "batshit insane" hyperbolic interpretation of this situation is obviously in the bag for the telemarketing industry. You're a goddamn prodigy.

Could I interest you in some kinoki foot pads?

apotheosis

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: What telemarketer firm do you work for by chance?

Niri

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> It's been 20 years since I worked for Chase in one of their call centers. It's refreshing to see that some things never change.

jblakew

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @Radoman: Yeah, it's always been a Sleestak. I just keep morphing it every month or so, Next time I'll be standing in Chen's apartment instead of a vast cubicle farm. Hehe.

tamoko

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @scoosdad:

You mean like that?

Yes! Thanks! I always figured it was some pseudo-tag like forums have like [link][/link], but now I see it's probably just some special CSS for 'blockquote'

macinjosh

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I've gotten a call from BofA about fraud protection EVERY NIGHT FOR 2 WEEKS STRAIGHT. The account is my husbands cc (and no, I didn't agree to opening a cc with BofA) and they call "Is *** there?" and EVERY FRICKIN TIME I tell them "No, he's not here. HE'S NEVER HERE. He's a truck driver gone all week, and I've already spoken to him and he says no, he doesn't want your program. Take us off this calling list." I finally called them up after 2 harassing week nights and weekends, and the calls have stopped... FINALLY.

verucalise

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @macinjosh:

please please please tell me how you do that quote thingee. What is the tag? TIA

You mean like that?

"blockquote" and "/blockquote", but use left arrow bracket and right arrow bracket instead of " and ". You have to copy the text you want to quote first, and paste it in between the "blockquote" and the "/blockquote", it's not automatic.

YW

scoosdad

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @johnva: Cellphones are supposed to be able to dial 911 even if they're not carrying active phone service. A lot of battered women shelters collect old cellphones with the idea of distributing them to women without a cell account who might need to reach the police in a hurry.

I've never encountered a wired phone that would do that. Around here, when you cut offf your Verizon landline, they go through the line and free up your wiring pairs until someone else needs one. If you sign back up again, you usually don't even get your original copper pair back to the central office unless they've been lazy and not done what they are supposed to do.

scoosdad

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @tamoko: ????? Whoa! Crazy. Was that always your pic? (tomokos's pic is a Sleestack for those wondering) Wow, I totally didn't notice before. Cool. That's just.... Odd. Chalk it up to the quantum entanglement of the universe I suppose...

So I guess the reference is not too obscure then , eh? :)

Radoman

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> This happens to me constantly, and I constantly get very angry and have to make them verify multiple times that they are not charging me after they suggest that I said yes to whatever they're offering.

trujunglist

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @ConsumerAdvocacy1010: A bit offtopic but just for informational purposes: I complained about TruGreen because they kept calling me even though I had not been a customer in over two years and I was on the donotcall list.

I never heard back either, but then later I saw in the news that trugreen was slapped (fines and had to sign a consent decree agreeing to abide by the DNC).

So my point is, don't assume that just because you don't hear anything, that it doesn't work.

humphrmi

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @blackmage439: Same here...a ton of junk from chase. I went online and OPTED OUT of chase mailings....but they have yet to take effect. Been well over a month though.....

ConsumerAdvocacy1010

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @DHT: The FTC is useless. I have carefully logged and recorded many calls and forwarded them to the FTC and complained via the DoNotCall.gov site..... NEVER HEARD A DAMN THING BACK!

You need to complain to the FCC (that's a C, not a T). Every complaint is logged and gives you a reference number...and if you record the phone call...send that to 'em as well. They are much more.....action oriented.

ConsumerAdvocacy1010

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Yup....CHASE is pretty good!

Pretty good on finding ways to screw you.

I bank with Bank of New York and it was bought out by Chase. I have been using Quicken for more than a year to track down my bank transactions which has a web direct link to them. When they finalized the BNY buyout, they began charging me $9.95 for the use of the web link or financial management software.

Called them up to disconnect the service and complained. They told me that there is nothing that they can do with the charge and that most large banks charge a fee too. I answered back that Citibank and Bank of America doesn't charge!

Needless to say, I'm seriously thinking of closing our account with Chase.

ARPRINCE

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I have chase and I hate them. Not only is my branch constantly changing managers -each more incompetent than the last- but they have (as most banks do) that odd tendency to selectively charge me.

For example my paycheck is deposited at 3am Thursday Morning. I make a purchase at 6am Thursday morning, but overdraft because they chose to, somehow, through time travel at 88 Miles Per Hour my 6am purchase is charged before my paycheck and then I get hit with like $400 of overdraft charges.

They also like to lose my money. I'm changing banks or going to a damn credit union.

To make a long, pointless story short: Most banks act in this matter, but J.P. Morgan Chase is by far the worst and this particular article -as I read it- doesn't shock me coming from chase, because I can cite similar stories from my own experiences.

Paintbait

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> This sort of thing is the reason you need to be able to take charge of a conversation. This employee obviously had the upper hand and you need to turn the tables. Being sassy works. Violating the underlying assumptions these telemarketers typically operate upon also works.

rmuser

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis:
Also, where is this "she" stuff coming from, the article clearly says "he". RTFA.

WraithSama

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis:
No, no, no. She didn't "ask a question about a completely plausible scenario that happens every day", she signed the OP up for a service when he clearly had not agreed to it.

WraithSama

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I got a telemarketer on my cell phone the other day...I waited for her to say her piece, and then said, "This is a cellphone." There was a pause, and then she replied, "So?" I told her I wasn't interested and she said, "Why? Do you think I'm trying to scam you or something stupid?" but I ignored her and simply said, "Please put me on your do-not-call list" (I worked for a survey company once and know that telemarketing sucks, so I always try to be polite, and I also know that no matter how many variations of requesting to not be called, you specifically have to mention the do-not-call list to be put on it) and after a loooong pause, she yells, "Fine! I wouldn't want to call you again anyway, bitch!" and hung up. Too bad I didn't get her name :( I would have liked to have gotten her repremanded or even fired (and would have probably been doing her a favor). Telemarketing is a sucky job, but that's no excuse to go around cussing people out for not wanting your service, especially when I'm being contacted on my CELL. Don't like the job? Then get another one, and stop bitching.

thalia

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: please please please tell me how you do that quote thingee. What is the tag? TIA

macinjosh

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> We are on the DNC. One funny thing, with respect to non-profits/"charities", I told two or three a while back that "we never contribute to any charity that calls us because they are ALL scams". Since then we have not received calls from "charities" (ymmv). As for political entities, well those calls are few and far between and they are pre-recorded. Now if only we could get the telemarketers who deliberately violate the DNC and federal law with spoofed caller ID numbers, then we would have zero calls.

linlu

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Wow... I have had a Capital One card for over five years. In that time, I have never received anything beyond the typical "cash these FREE* checks now!" spam that every company does.

It has now been five months since I signed up for a Chase Freedom card. In that time, I have received no fewer than one thing every month from Chase's "non-affiliated" affiliates. Everything ranging from "discounted" gifts from shady dealers (in a CHASE-stamped envelope!), to a 3rd-party rewards program charging an annual fee. The latest spam has my knickers in a full-on twist.

I received an offer directly from Chase containing a FREE* Circuity City gift card. Now, I HATE Circuit Shitty with a passion, but free money is free money, yes?

*"Cashing this gift card automatically enrolls you in Chase's fraud protection services @ ~$9.99 per month."

Um... What. The. F%^&????

At this point, I don't care about Chase's better rewards program. I cannot condone myself giving any more business to these sleaze bags. Hello, Capital One, and the Darth Vader-adorned card that I've always dreamed about.

blackmage439

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I usually just hang up before they even finish the first sentence.

Shadowman615

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> The really nice lady at our local Chase branch said the magic words are "Remove from the Marketing List" - this includes the fraud protection and those convenience checks. I guess there's more than one list.

I've found that my 'lil fingers just keep hitting randome buttons, especially * and # at the same time, whenever I get telemarketing calls.

dewsipper

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @Radoman: Fruedian slip I guess.. look at my profile pix.

tamoko

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Just say no. Anything else than "no" indicates you are interested.

EricaKane

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @Starfury: Yeah, I think that political and non profits are exempt from the DNC list. So just not answering from a # you don't recognize will probably save you a headache. But it is nice to hear that if you do answer, you usually tell them you're not interested rather than just wasting everybody's time.

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @tamoko: Interesting. Sleath tactics sounds like it could be the recon strategy of those Sleestack guys from Land of the Lost. Too obscure?

(Stealthy Sleestack = Sleathe tactics)

Radoman

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @Starfury: Okay, I understand that telemarketers are the big bad guy here. Saying no thank you is fine....but I am NEVER rude to people just because I can be! I would have a problem with Chase, not the individual just for trying to make a living.

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @Starfury: Politicalls are completely legal too, right? No DNC list support?

Diet-Orange-Soda

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: I know you think your clever. Good for you.

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @thegirls: I know that the job they have stinks BUT it is MY phone and I don't have to be polite when on it. Sometimes I hang up but mostly will say 'no thank you' and then hang up.

I dread when the election gets closer this year; I don't think I'll pick up the phone at all from about August to November....

Starfury

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]>     I get those calls from Chase, too. I have a credit card with them, so it's legal, I guess. I never answer. There's a bug with Chase's telemarket machine. Once the answering machine picks up, there's an electronic chirp, and Chase hangs up. Then, you hear, "Please, hang up and try your call again. If you need assistance, please dial your operator. NEEEEEEEEEP NEEP-NEEP-NEEP-NEEP-NEEP-NEEP-NEEP...!"

    This is always a really irritating thing to listen to, when you're on night shift, and trying to sleep during the day...

AcidReign

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @tamoko: ..."stealth tactics"

tamoko

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Yup, that sounds just like Chase.

I had almost the same conversation, but didn't hang up. I escalated it to a supervisor and made sure they hadn't signed me up by sleath tactics... bastards try to squeeze every dollar they can out of you.

tamoko

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @thegirls:
There's nothing rude about it.

Politely listen to their spiel (or pretend to.) Drop an intrigued "hmmm" in every now and then. They love that. Honestly, who doesn't like the feeling that they're doing a good job?

Yes, you eventually decline the product/service and hang up, but any relationship coming to an end is better for a clean break. TMs get hang-ups and curses and just plain rudeness so often they're probably immune to it...but they'll cherish those few happy moments of success you gave them.

And again, you're delaying (or sparing) their call to the next poor shmuck on the list.

Everybody wins!

apotheosis

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @seamer: Exactly. I've taken it one step further. I throw away ALL marketing solicitations and try to stop all catalogs from places I've ordered from. They have websites. When I need something, I'll find them.

speedwell

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @GreatCaesarsGhost: Does that stuff actually work on anyone? It just pisses me off and makes me feel like they're insulting my intelligence.

johnva

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @humphrmi:
If you're creating a product and then attempting to manufacture a niche for it, then yeah, that's just annoying.

Identity theft is one of those things that really exists completely outside some marketer's imagination, and people should really be concerned; if more people WERE concerned enough to take appropriate countermeasures it wouldn't happen as often.

I grant that the caller might've been a little less abrasive about it, but for god's sake, "vague threats" in the headline makes it sound like the rep was dropping comments like "gee, it'd be a SHAME if anything happened to your DOG after you didn't buy this service." *cracking knuckles*

apotheosis

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Chase interrupts your day to sell you a service that no one wants, then has the audacity to charge you $7 to send you the information about it. Two words: unbelievably sleazy

If they think people won't change banks over tacky business practices like this, they're living in a vacuum.

ObtuseGoose

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @seamer: Remember, every sales job out there requires some cold calling. Be it the stock broker, Google sales rep to the newspaper ad sales rep.

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> The "you aren't safe" tactics are par for the course. But charging without authorization is completely different.

GreatCaesarsGhost

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: I see. Bemused, not annoyed. You know without faces to look at, language can be tough to decipher. I like the idea of keeping them busy though. That's helpful and amusing.

I guess my point was, Chase's marketing tactics are currently more of an active threat to this persons bank account than some imagined identity thief, and I feel the story has merit. Certainly it's a bad business practice.

Radoman

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @geoffhazel: You do need a dial tone. That's the indication that the circuit is actually connected to the CO (central office). Without a dial tone even a 911 call won't work.

IphtashuFitz

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: You're a funny guy....actually, you're not.

Basically, you're answer to what you perceive as rude telemarketers calling you, is by acting rude in return. Very mature.

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Cold Calling is an industry that just needs to die. Slowly, in a fire.

There's nothing a telemarketer can possibly sell me I haven't already got or considered buying from a store anyway. All it does is make me find an alternate source from whichever company just called.

seamer

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> It seems to be a Chase "thing" to not send you information on the product they're trying to sell you until after you sign up for it. They tried it with me for a different product.

deeness

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: This is sales 101. Vaguely threaten the customer with "Oh won't you be SOL when this bad thing happens" in order to make a sale. It's pandering and talking down to your customers and companies that use this tactic belong here on Consumerist.

humphrmi

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @thegirls:
May the voice of Billy Mays plague your restless sleep and waking nightmares at a thousand enthusiastic decibels.

apotheosis

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> When I used to work at Telemarketing, my boss apparently found a study that said most people will remember what you're trying to shill when you remind them 27 times.

So you can imagine how long a trainee had to be at a phone in order to accomplish anything.

Truvill

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @geoffhazel: I think it depends on your phone company and maybe local regulations. But I know that where I live they only do a "soft disconnect" in order to remove the need to send a technician out to physically remove the wires. Basically, when they do this, you still get a dial tone, but they won't route any calls through except to 911 or their customer service. But yeah, if they physically disconnected your wires obviously that's not going to work.

johnva

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Ironically, the fraud protection comes in handy when you report you didn't sign up for fraud protection.

Leiterfluid

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: Don't worry, nothing to thank you for!

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @Radoman:

I'm guessing from your somewhat annoyed comment that you would not have been much nicer to the telemarketer for his tactics.

Did I sound annoyed? Sorry. Mild bemusement doesn't always translate well.

I honestly can't recall the last telemarketing call I received. (Thanks, DNC list!) However, if I did receive this call, I'd probably play the usual "act interested, string them along, then decline and hang up" game. Because every second I waste is one more second they're not bugging someone else.

I like to think of it as a public service. Don't thank me, it's really nothing.

apotheosis

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> i signed up for a credit monitoring service. When i called to verify my identity they threw me onto a sales call for ID protection. the whole time he was like. "ok so well ill go ahead and sign you up for ...." AS I WAS SAYING NO. I called back to the credit report service and canceled it. Im not going to do business with a company that pulls crap like that

Rollo Tony

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @johnva:

you can dial 911 from any landline jack?

I always thought you needed a dial tone to dial a call. If you or previous owner of the property has disconnected their service, I don't think you're going to get a dial tone.

geoffhazel

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> could just go all tom mabe on them...

Nissan288

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I should add that I do realize that there are bad seeds to every bunch and some of the telemarketers are just simply out of line...

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @Starfury: I know that telemarketers get a bad rap.....but it's a tough job. Yes, they do have to constantly use a "rebuttal" when you say no or they'll get in trouble by their supervisor. Be upset with the company they work for but not the individual caller!

Just hanging up on them is rude! I also don't like to talk to telemarketers at home. But at least am polite. Usually, I quickly intervene and let them know I understand they have a tough job, but not to waste their time w/me because I'm not interested and good luck w/the next call. Almost always, they just say thank you very much and hang up w/out any hassle.

Remember, they probably hate their job (just like most of us) but are doing it because it's the best or only gig they could get. That's exactly what I did when I was 18.

thegirls

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> You need to be word safe with telemarketers. Don't ever say anything that sounds like you are complying or agreeing with something they've suggested. Just by saying "OK", even if out of context, they'll consider that an affirmative to sign you up for anything, with all the extra options too. They're trained to focus on submission, not context.

I believe, if you are actually interested, the proper action is to not respond directly to anything they say but to make simple and clear statements to them, like "Please send me an informational brochure." Otherwise, say "No" and hang up immediately.

chrisjames

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @tator: Good idea on that one. Also, I find if you're kind of nice about asking, many telemarketers will simply remove you from the list of prospects. They deal with people who are often angry at being solicited. Treat them like a human and they're more likely to be helpful.

@apotheosis: I think it's obviously more the aggressive "hard sell" that's offensive and rude. It's not so much "asking a question" as it is trying to literally scare up business. Repeatedly. I'm guessing from your somewhat annoyed comment that you would not have been much nicer to the telemarketer for his tactics.

Identity theft is plausible. It does happen. However, no identity thief attempted to take the submitters money without cause or permission. It was Chase.

Radoman

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @celticgina: Last time I moved, I had to call the power company to get my service address changed over to the new place. They did so, but it turned out that they had some sort of cross-promotional deal with the local phone company. The electric company CSR kept trying to sell me on getting phone service through them with similar high-pressure tactics. I told them, no, I choose not to pay for a landline because I refuse to pay what they charge for something I almost never use and that inevitably rings constantly with telemarketing, political robocalls, etc. They tried to pressure me by talking about how I would be in trouble if I had an emergency and had to call 911, actually going through various disaster scenarios, etc. I brought up the fact that you can dial 911 by plugging a phone into a landline jack even without paying for service if the wires are still physically connected, and asked if he ever told his customers that fact when using this tactic. He hung up on me :).

johnva

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Yet another reason why I gladly pay for Caller ID. If I don't recognize the phone number or the display is something like "Out of Area" or "Unknown" then I let the answering machine answer it. If it's something important they'll leave a message. If it's a telemarketer they'll typically hang up before the answering machine even gets to that point.

IphtashuFitz

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> We have the problem with credit card companies calling with great frequency, offering "additional services" that we always decline. It got so bad at one point that we both asked that our accounts be flagged so that we no longer receive solicitation calls about "new features," etc, and that the only reason we'll accept calls is if they are to notify us of fraudulent activity on the card. We don't get calls much anymore.

Another problem we've had, prior to this, was that I'd pick up the phone, and they'd ask for my husband. I'd ask who it was, and if it was a solicitation/sales call. I've had these folks cop an attitude with me for asking nothing more than "May I ask who is calling" and then "Is this a sales call, or regarding account activity?" I'm usually very nice to callers and try not to hang up on them, but was pushed a little too far when the response was "You know, since you're having a problem and you can't just answer my questions or put him on the phone, I'll just call back later. Click." There's a good way to keep customers...

NYGal81

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I bet they charged you anyway.

wallapuctus

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> The magic phrase is "Put me on your Do Not Call list." If you're feeling nice, you can add a "please" to either the front or back of that sentence.

Even if you're on the national DNC list, if you have an "existing relationship" with the business, they're allowed to call you, unless you specifically ask to be put on their DNC list. Then they're obligated to honor your wishes, and if (after 30 days) they telemarket you again, you can file a complaint with the FTC at [www.donotcall.gov]

Say it with me, "Put me on your Do Not Call list."

DHT

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Usually I'll say "no" and hang up. At work I have to be professional/pleasant on the phone...but at home I don't.

If I'm feeling a bit mean...I'll ask them to hold and set the phone down and never pick it up again, or put it by the computer speaker while I'm playing a game. The longer they're waiting for me the less people they get to bother.

Starfury

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I just tell them to put me on their no-call list, and hang up.

Pasketti

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> It's not so much the scare tactics as the signing you up without permission that freaks me out.

Jabberkaty

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Unlike the other Chase story here is one that shows this company's evil side.

anarcurt

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I always tell telemarketers I will not do business over the phone unless I initiate the call (to guard against fraud) and their product/service appeals to me. Then I ask for their phone number and identification so I can call back and verify who they are. No-one has yet given me their number.

tator

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: I think he's more concerned about the "I'll charge you $7 and ship the information" than the "vague threats" that Consumerist pointed out.

Diet-Orange-Soda

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Victoria's Secret does this when you activate your charge card. They try to sell credit monitoring service, as if I'm too stupid to notice fraudulent charges on my accounts.

sponica

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Oh and we had a rule that we had to keep pushing until the customer said "NO" three times.

dragonfire81

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Sounds like the "mailed documents" are actually a "welcome to our fraud protection" program!" package.

I wonder how many people have been suckered by this. From working at a call center I can tell you that in many cases agents are EXPLICITLY TOLD, often through written materials, to be vague and manipulative with customers.

dragonfire81

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> BTW, for all telemarketers, memorize this phrase

"I do NO business via Telephone solicitation"

Of course, you could just hang up!!

celticgina

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> Many telemarketers are trained to not accept 'no' and continue to push. Since each telemarketer reply to no was different, clearly there was a script with multiple replies to each customer objection.

Many years ago, when I was in a telemarketing position, I was clearly told that if the prospect didn't buy or hang up on me, I wasn't pushing hard enough.

SkokieGuy

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> @apotheosis: I think it's a valid complaint. I hate sales people trying to scare me into buying something. I was considering buying a car from a dealer a few months back and was unsure of whether or not I wanted to get it. Then the dealer said something like "Aren't you worried about your safety? *insert spiel designed to scare me into buying the "safe" car*". That immediately made me refuse to buy the car.

bonzombiekitty

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> When I get these cold calls I just say "no," nothing else, and then hang-up.

Imafish

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> telemarketers by nature are a pain. the minute i sense product pushery, i hang up.

LucyInTheSky

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> I hate sales tactics that try to make you feel insecure.

On the upside? This Chase Employee has a brilliant future in the home security field!

celticgina

]]> <![CDATA[Chase Telemarketing Tactics: Try Being Sneaky, Then Launch Vague Threats]]> She asked me a question about a completely plausible scenario that happens every day and now I feel threatened! I must notify the world!

apotheosis

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