I've had several automated calls advising my auto warranty was expiring, and to push 1 to speak to a representative. Last time I pressed one, I received dead air (like their call center employee had put their head set down and left their station, or they had me on mute and were avoiding calls.) So, today, I pressed 1, again, and got a person with a heavy accent. I remained meticulously polite through the conversation, which went like this:
1) I asked where the person was calling from. "Santa Bar... oh, I'm sorry, I used to live there. Santa Ana, CA. <Pointedly> Where do YOU live?"
2) I asked which vehicle she was talking about. "It's a vehicle registered between 1997 and 2007."
3) I asked what her company's name was: "Auto Solutions."
4) I said, "So you don't know what vehicle I have that has a warranty that is expiring?" "It's a vehicle registered between 1997 and 2007."
5) I asked where they got my number to call me. "I didn't call you, I'm responding to your request for information."
6) I asked where her company got my number to call me. "As I told you, I didn't call you, I'm responding to your request for information, <pointedly> DO you understand that?"
7) I apologized and said, "Sorry. My phone rang. I received a message stating that my warranty was expiring and to push 1 if I wanted more information. I pushed 1 and got you. Did a car dealership give your company my name...?" "Do you want me to put you on our Do Not Call list?"
8) I responded, "No, I'm trying to find out more information about your company and my 'warranty that is expiring...'" The phone went silent (again, like I was put on mute.) After about 45 seconds or so, the phone went dead -- she'd hung up on me.
9) I dialed the number that came up on caller ID: "We're sorry, your call cannot be completed as dialed, or the number has been disconnected. Please check the number and dial again.
I checked the number... and dialed again. Same message.