Post by: krissel on October 07, 2012, 11:44:24 PM
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/10...s-ars-technica/
Post by: Highmac on October 08, 2012, 06:31:10 AM
Wonder how he manages to get so many calls?
Post by: jchuzi on October 08, 2012, 07:27:07 AM
"I'm so glad that you asked. My back is killing me and I'm terribly constipated. In fact, let me tell you about the vomiting and diarrhea that I had just yesterday." She continued in that vein until the guy hung up.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 08, 2012, 09:40:24 AM
QUOTE
While Do Not Call laws have stopped most reputable companies from harassing people over the telephone, they have had only limited effect against those whose reputation can't go any lower.
I couldn’t agree more. We simply don't answer our phones anymore if we don't recognize the number or it dosen't show an acquaintances name. Absolutely never for "Private Caller" or a 1-800 number. If there is a real friend on the other end, they can always leave a message. If they get tired of leaving a message, they can get their info updated... or just stop calling... doesn't everyone have email by now?! Obviously, these foreign callers couldn't care less about "local" US laws.This guy might make a good comedy writer, also:
QUOTE
Furious typing followed, which must have been plainly audible, as I passed the instructions to Brodkin. Who knows what the scammer thought of this. It must have been clear that at the very least I was a serious incompetent who, when ordered to click some simple mouse buttons, instead began typing the Great American Novel. Yet my scammer showed a patience I had not expected...
(Even more furious typing. That novel was really coming along now by the sound of things.)
Only problem is the pain and damage these SCAMmers are causing. (Even more furious typing. That novel was really coming along now by the sound of things.)
I plan on sending a link to most of my PC using friends.
Post by: dolphin on October 08, 2012, 04:26:19 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 08, 2012, 05:05:36 PM
QUOTE
We have gone to using our Cell Phones only
Just wait. The cell phone can and will get unknown callers, 1-800 numbers and those who have no regard for "Do Not Call" lists. The computer generated calls don't care what kind of phone you have, all they do is generate and dial the number. 
The worst are those which only come with a taped message. Once they are answered, they know the number is "live." And there is no way to scream, manipulate, embarrass or harass the caller. I do have a horrible sounding audio file on my desktop just waiting to play it for a real person! 
Post by: jchuzi on October 08, 2012, 06:46:35 PM
Cell phone users pay for minutes regardless of whether they have dialed a call or received one. That means that the user pays for nuisance incoming calls. This really adds insult to injury!
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 08, 2012, 08:29:19 PM
Most phone plans, whether cell or landline, charge the dialing number but based on where the receiving number is. That is, you pay more for calling half way around the world than across the street. Most people have a plan that allows a certain number of calling minutes a month. But I've never heard of one that counted received calls against that amount or that charges for receiving a call from anywhere. Of course, the above is extremely simplified. And there is still the "Collect" call that many students use to "Phone Home!" I think there are around 3,729 plans available. And that's just for black phones!
Cell phones are really misnamed. They really are just very low-powered radio transmitters and receivers connected to the regular landline phone system.
* When I called AT&T to cancel my texting service, the operator was at first incredulous, I guess not many cancel that service.
Her last ploy was to tell me, "We have a special deal where you can make 200 free text messages for only $5/month!" I asked her if that was because she would be getting charges on her credit card for my "free" messages. I'm not sure she ever realized what either of us had said. BTW, I can still get text messages, but they all come from the phone company. Since they don't charge themselves, they don't charge me, either... but they are still useless! I still laugh at the thought of using a device that can communicate at very near the speed of light but is limited by ones typing speed! It is further limited by the fact that it is no longer a two-way conversation and totally lacking in the aural clues delivered by human speech. This is called "progress?!"
Post by: Johanbgoot on October 09, 2012, 10:03:26 AM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 09, 2012, 03:23:05 PM
Post by: jchuzi on October 09, 2012, 04:10:32 PM
Post by: Johanbgoot on October 10, 2012, 11:46:53 AM