> It's probably something like a Davox dialer that calls a bunch of
> numbers at the same time with the assumption that the operator will
> only get a live person on one line from that group. The object is to
> maximize the efficiency of the call center agent at the expense of all
> of the people who get either what appears to be a phantom disconnect
> (phone rings and no one's there), or a recording asking the person who
> answers to hold for the next representative.
to be considered illegal nuisance calling, and the people who use
these devices in this manner should be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law. After all, it is one thing to acidentally call
someone and then hang up (because you got a wrong number perhaps) -
it's rude to not apologize, but at least it's not illegal. However,
the telemarketing scum are placing calls knowing full well in advance
that a certain significant percentage will end with the called party
being hung up on. That is not accidental. That is deliberate
harassment.
What these * scumbags may not appreciate is how upset a "hang-up"
call makes some people, especially elderly people who live alone.
Many elderly folks worry that it is a potential burgalar or rapist
calling to find out if anyone is home before they actualy come over
and do their dirty deed. Thus a single "hang-up" call can result in a
night or two of lost sleep for the victim, as they lie awake worrying
at every noise they hear. And even for those of us who are younger,
an unwanted phone call can be a real nuisance, especially if you jump
out of the shower or run in from outside to answer the phone, only to
hear the hangup "click".
I think devices of the type mentioned ought to be illegal to
manufacture, import, or sell in this country. Any organization that
wants to telephone people (for whatever reason) ought to be willing to
pay for sufficient employees to listen to the unanswered rings and the
busy signals, if that's what it takes to avoid deliberately* up
on people. I would even find it less offensive (note I said LESS
offensive) if the machine were programmed to deliver an automated
sales pitch whenever a live agent was not available -- at least that
way the called party would know that it wasn't an important call that
they missed, nor someone calling to determine whether anyone is home
for some evil purpose. But it should not just hang up on people,
because that is extremely irritating to almost everyone, and more than
a little frightening to many.
Jack
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