Why do I get hang-up creditor calls?

[Quagmire]

Since I have caller ID, I have found out 4 different creditors are calling my house about 3 to 4 times per day each. One called on Sunday May 30th, and one even called on Memorial Day! However I am unsure as how to handles these calls, yet I am working on getting some legal help this week, before trying to talk with these calling creditors. Right now, I am just letting my answering machine get the calls. Since the last 2 weeks, I have received over 100 calls per week. With the exception of two calls, all of the calls were hang-ups. 2 companies left information for me to call them back (the B of A one was a computer generated message, the second one from another creditor was left by a live person).

Am I just getting hang-ups because those companies are using some sort of computerized contact system, therefore it does not acknowledge my answering machine and their system only registers that the telephone line was picked-up? Or is a live person calling me and not wanting to leave a message?

Quagmire

[BobMango]

Yes, those are automated systems and generally you'll get the hang up if they don't have an operator available when you answer.

[frogger]

Am I just getting hang-ups because those companies are using some sort of computerized contact system, therefore it does not acknowledge my answering machine and their system only registers that the telephone line was picked-up? Or is a live person calling me and not wanting to leave a message?

Quagmire

You are getting called by an "auto-dialer". This is actually a computer calling you, and it may or may not be programmed to leave a message. No one is actually calling you.

If your answering machine picks up, the auto dialer is disconnecting the line.

If you really want to stop the auto-dialer, record this:

http://www.telephonetribute.com/audio/sit_disconnected.wav

at the beginning of your message on your answering machine. That will soon stop the auto-dialer from calling you.

[catleg]

Another way to piss them off is to start your message with the word Hello loud and clear. This will then cause the dialer to hand off the call to a live human, and you can hear them cussing at you sometimes when they think you're listening and not talking.

[wonderingrov]

Another way to piss them off is to start your message with the word Hello loud and clear. This will then cause the dialer to hand off the call to a live human, and you can hear them cussing at you sometimes when they think you're listening and not talking.

I hadn't thought of that one - I think I'll have to try it out.

[lovemybugs10]

Lol, I like the disconnected line sound!

[frogger]

Another way to piss them off is to start your message with the word Hello loud and clear. This will then cause the dialer to hand off the call to a live human, and you can hear them cussing at you sometimes when they think you're listening and not talking.

Hello? Hello? Hello?

I bet that they call catleg a jackass when they reach his machine.

Now that's funny!

[lovemybugs10]

I love it. I'm totally going to do it.

[Quagmire]

Thanks Everyone!!! I found what you all have posted a big help and funny too! Thanks much!

Quagmire

[bkinparadise]

All collection calls I got went to my cell phone as I don't ever use my home phone (my wife wants to keep the landline). I wanted to get all CA calls taken care of as soon as possible. Fortunately I had retained an attorney before I started getting the calls so I was able to provide the attorney's info and eventually all calls stopped and the stress from dealing with creditors and CA.