I Hate never getting a human being on the phone.

[Michael]

C'mon, you know the drill. You call your bank, credit card company, any department store and you get a machine with 20 different options, and none of them are really the option you want and you have to press maybe 6 buttons to get to the option you think might be the one you want, and that's if you don't get magically cut off, and have to start over again.

[Tom]

There ARE websites out there-- i don't know any of 'em, but consumerist.com might be a good place to start looking-- that list the phone tree options for lots of major companies, and how to get past 'em. Pressing zero repeatedly until you get to a person sometimes works too.

[Reads with Scotch]

I was just on the phone with m credit card company the other day. Attempted the (0) thing, and all it did was tell me that was not an option and to select an option from the menu. I really hate automated "help" desks.

[Dave]

I prefer dealing with an automated system rather than real people. I dislike people.

[Rusty]

So you're saying you can communicate the the customer service representatives you speak with? They actually have rudimentary English skills? You lucky s.o.b.s!!!

[EvilNick]

I have the reverse problem at the moment. Mr Mastercard keeps ringing me, I think to check I haven't fled the country. I tried the automated routine with them, but i'm not sure they bought it.
"Your call is important to me. please be aware that I may record conversations for training and amusement purposes. If you would like to remind me that I have a payment owing, please press 1. If you would like to admit that you have screwed up and actually owe me money from the fraudulent use of my card, please press 2. For all other queries, please insert your head into a bucket and don't take it out until you see sense..."

[Tom]

I work in a call center for a mortgage company, taking/making collections calls-- not half as much fun as you'd think-- and we are absolutely forbidden to continue a call once a customer tells us they're recording the call. I know that some other companies have similar policies, so if you're getting annoying incoming calls you might be able to get them to leave you alone just by telling the caller that you're recording as no company wants an embarassing phone call posted online. In the US, at least, you've got the option of a cease and desist letter too. Request the form when they call or draw up your own, send it in, call back to make sure they've got it...and then report 'em to the FCC if they call you back.