Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Nov 30: Answering machine spam: Recording of Bill Tesser with Capital Line Financial

This recording has called Oct 4 and Nov 30.

"Hi, this is Bill Tesser with Capital Line Financial. I was calling you uh about an offer we are extending to our client base for our flex pay mortgage. And basically, what that is is that it allows you to choose each month how much you want to pay. We have payments as low as $250 for every 100,000 you borrow. Uh, I know you probably think there's a catch; there is absolutely no catch. We put everything in writing. Our plan has no points. We have no fees, and qualifying is pretty simple. You basically have two options. Um, if you want to press one you can talk to somebody live and we'll tell you exactly how much uh you qualify to save. Uh, it's simple and only take a moment. Or you can press two, and uh we will be happy to eliminate you from our client list. You can press one or two at this point."

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Nov 29 7:18pm: Pamela Johnson from Research International

She started off saying that she wasn't selling anything. She was doing a survey about alcoholic beverages. She asked if I was 21 or older. I said maybe, so she asked if my parents were home. I said no. She asked if I wanted to participate in the survey. I said no. She asked if my parents were home again. I said no. She said she'll call back later andhaveaniceday and quickly hung up.

Nov 29: Answering machine spam: Weird foreign stuff

"Sioden"
"Hello... hello..."
"Vek delevan? Vek delevan? Borut."

There was the telemarketer background noise. I would guess he was calling from India.

Nov 29: Answering machine spam: Recording of Michael with CFS

"Hi, this is Michael with CFS. I'm calling to let you know that because you've been making your mortgage payments on time, you are eligible for our exPRESS quick cash cash out program. With your eligibility, for a limited time, you can take up to $100,000, and put it in your pocket for any reason at all. Like to pay off your car, home improvements, vacation, college, or to buy a rental property, or for any reason at all. You get to choose what you do with the money. Whether if you're looking for up to $100,000 cash out or more, please press one now and you'll be connected to your representative. Please press one now. Press one NOW."

Monday, November 28, 2005

Junk mail: Heir Buyout Company

A relative died, and I was in the will. Now my name and address is in the Heir Buyout Company mailing list. That's just crass.

Nov 28: Answering machine spam: Recording of Curtis Jensen with Vertex Financial Group

"Hello, this is Curtis Jensen with Vertex Financial Group member of the Better Business Bureau specializing in TRUE no cost mortgage refinancing. Though I'm sure you've received several different offers, OURS is the unique opportunity with no points, fees, or closing costs, and nothing ROLLED INTO your loan. Your balance stays the SAME. Simply transfer your current balance to a NEW lender, reduce your current interest rate, and pay NOTHING to do it. PRESS ONE NOW to be connected with me immediately. Please press one NOW."

Nov 28: Answering machine spam: Recording of Steven with anonymous mortgage company

Very similar recordings have called on Sept 26, 27, 28, on Oct 3 twice, and on Oct 31. This recording called Nov 28.

"Hi. This is Steven, and I'm calling you in an effort to move your loan into our PROCESSING department. Uh we DO have a lender that would like to preapprove you for a 1.25 percent rate on a 30 year MORTGAGE. Please press 1 now and we will CONNECT you with your LOAN officer. OR press 2 now if you wish to be removed from the system."

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Nov 23 12:43pm: Abandoned call

There were a bunch of clicking sounds before it hung up.

Nov 23 10:57am: Recording of John with anonymous mortgage company

This recording called Nov 16. An almost identical recording of Shawn called Nov 10.

"Hello. My name is John and this is a courtesy call to let you know that Fanny Mae has recently expanded their underwriting guidelines to allow MORE people to qualify for low interest rate home loans. With interest rates as low as they are, this means if you have good credit, less than perfect credit, or even a recent bankruptcy, we can help. With financing options as low as 1%, you can use the money to consolidate bills, refinance credit card debt, or simply lower your current payment. If you are NOT interested in this free quote, please hang up now, or press 2 to be added to our do not call list. If you would LIKE a free rate quote, please press 1 to connect to a home loan specialist. Again, please press 1 for a no obligation rate quote."

I pressed 1 and set the phone down. By the time I pulled up this blog and found the previous entry for this recording, there was a dial tone from the phone.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Nov 22: Answering machine spam

"Hello... hello..." I think this same guy left the same message before. He sounded vaguely foreign, and there was the telemarketer background noise.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Nov 21 8:20pm: Abandoned call

There was some buzzing hum. Then it hung up.

Nov 21: Answering machine spam: Recording of Tom with Pacific Mortgage

This recording is trying to be deceptive. I'm sure it's a recording, and not someone actually trying to call me and getting an answering machine.

"Oh hi. This is Tom with Pacific Mortgage. Sorry I missed you. I'm calling today because, according to public records, you're currently paying on a mortgage that was taken out when rates were much higher than they are right now. So, based on the information I have, you are someone that we think we can greatly help, especially in lowering your monthly payment. At the very least, I guarantee that I do have vital information to share with you. I'm sorry we missed each other, so please give me a call toll free at 1-877-611-6663 by 8pm either today or tomorrow. And also by acting now, you may be able to skip your next two mortgage payments. I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Again, this is Tom, and my number is 1-877-611-6663."

Nov 21: Answering machine spam

"oldra coconut avud" or something. Telemarketer outsourcing.

Nov 21: Answering machine spam

"Hi. Can I speak to Mrs ___?"
"Hello?"

The background noise was definitely telemarketer.

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Nov 19 1:41pm: Marina for the Mercury News

She liked talking. For the first ten minutes, she tried to sell the paper. The next ten minutes was just idle chatting, which was pleasant. I hope she had a nice break from regular telemarketing.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Nov 18: Answering machine spam: Recording of Joe at "health services"

A recording of Nicole with "health services" called Oct 19.

"Hi. This is Joe at health services? Here's a message that major health care providers do not want you to hear. Did you know that for about $3 per day, your ENTIRE family can be covered in a full medical, dental, vision, and prescription health benefits program? Regardless of age or medical history? You'll be able to take advantage of this program. Only a limited amount of households have been preselected for this program. Please press one to be connected to a health consultant? Again, please press 1 to be connected to a health consultant, or press 2 to be removed from our list."

Nov 18: Answering machine spam: Recording of Michael at "cardholder services"

The fraudulent sounding recording of Rachel at "cardholder services" called Sep 15, Oct 4 and Nov 16. The fraudulent sounding recording of Michael called Nov 18.

"Hello. This is Michael at "cardholder services", calling in reference with your current credit card accounts. There are no problems currently with your accounts. However it IS urgent that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rates to as little as 6.9%. As your original notice stated, in order for you to qualify, you must currently owe $2500 or more in major credit card debt and be a U.S. cardholder. Your eligibility expires shortly, so please consider this your final notice. Or press the 8 key to discontinue further notices. Please press the 9 key on your phonepad now to speak to a live operator and lower your interest rates. Thank you and have a great day."

What a load of lies. Who the fuck are they and how the fuck do they know whether there are any problems with my credit card accounts? How would I contact them if they just spew crap on my answering machines without providing a phone number or address or something? What original notice are they referring to? The fraudulent calls from the recording of Rachel, which didn't contain any such conditions for qualifying? How do they know whether someone at my phone number owes $2500 or more in major credit card debt and is a U.S. cardholder? If there's nobody at my number that is a U.S. cardholder, why are they calling? And if there is somebody at my number that is a U.S. cardholder, how do they know that? This is the fourth time a recording from "cardholder services" has called my answering machine saying I should consider it my final notice. How final can it be if it lands on my answering machine at least 4 times?

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Nov 17: Answering machine spam: Recording of Erin

This recording has called on Sep 19 and Nov 17.

"Hi. This is Erin, and I have GREAT news about your mortgage. According to our records, your interest rate can be SIGNIFICANTLY reduced. Please press the 9 key on telephone now, and your loan representative can INSTANTLY give you your new monthly payment. Again, press the 9 key now for your new monthly payment. Or press 8 to be removed from our calling list."

Sounds like bullshit to me. Whenever I ask telemarketers what they have in their records, they just about never say there is anything other than a name, an address, and a phone number. I don't see how that information can indicate that my "interest rate" can be SIGNIFICANTLY reduced. I've also never talked to a telemarketer that would INSTANTLY give me a new monthly payment. They always are trying to extract information from me, and refuse to give any numbers without any answers from me.

Nov 16: Answering machine spam: Recording of Trina with "mortgage specialists"

The recording of Ben with "mortgage specialists" has called Sept 2, 6, 7, 15, 28, Oct 3 and 10 with a similar message, and a recording of Tina with "mortgage specialists" called Oct 20.

"Hi. This is Trina with mortgage specialists. And I'm calling regarding your interest in the refinancing of an existing mortgage or the purchase of a new home. With rates still at an all time low, and qualifying just made easier, we can help you acquire the home loan of choice. Regardless of credit history, hard to prove income, or employment verification. Even if you've been turned down by another lender. Press 1 now to speak with a mortgage consultant and get your free quote. Or press 2 to be removed from the marketing list."

What the fuck do they know about my "interest in the refinancing of an existing mortgage or the purchase of a new home"? I never stated that I had any such interest to anyone in the last couple of years.

Nov 16: Answering machine spam: Recording of John with anonymous mortgage company

An almost identical recording of Shawn called Nov 10.

"Hello. My name is John and this is a courtesy call to let you know that Fanny Mae has recently expanded their underwriting guidelines to allow MORE people to qualify for low interest rate home loans. With interest rates as low as they are, this means if you have good credit, less than perfect credit, or even a recent bankruptcy, we can help. With financing options as low as 1%, you can use the money to consolidate bills, refinance credit card debt, or simply lower your current payment. If you are NOT interested in this free quote, please hang up now, or press 2 to be added to our do not call list. If you would LIKE a free rate quote, please press 1 to connect to a home loan specialist. Again, please press 1 for a no obligation rate quote."

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Nov 16: Answering machine spam: Recording from American First Financial and American First Real Estate Incorporated

"You have reached American First Financial and American First Real Estate services incorporated. We regret having inconvenienced you at this time. If you wish to contact us for any reason whatsoever, please call us at 909-944-5525. Again, our sincerest apologies for having inconvenienced you at this time. Thank you."

A fucking deceptive opening. That recording called my answering machine. I never tried to reach those fuckers. I don't for a second believe that their apologies are sincere either.

Nov 16: Answering machine spam: Recording of Rachel at "cardholder services"

This fraudulent sounding recording called Sept 15 and Oct 4.

"Hello. This is Rachel at "cardholder services", calling in reference with your current credit card account. There are no problems currently with your account. It is urgent that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate to as little as 6.9%. Your eligibility expires shortly, so please consider this your final notice. Please press the number one on your phone now to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press the number three to discontinue further notices. Thank you. Have a great day."

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Nov 15: Answering machine spam

"Hello..." Couldn't he tell he was talking to an answering machine? Stupid telemarketers.

Nov 15: Answering machine spam

Woman's voice: "I'm sorry." It sounded like I've heard that before. Maybe dialers now play that message when they detect an answering machine.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Nov 14: Answering machine spam: Recording of Scott Grant with Century Financial Group

The recording of "Scott Grant" with "Century Financial Group" has called Sept 13, 20, 21, 22, 30, Oct 20, and Nov 14.

The recording of "Jennifer Green" with "Century Financial Group" has called Oct 5.

"Hi. This is Scott Grant at Century Financial Group at 866-828-9875. I'm following you up on your mortgage application. We want to get you preapproved on our 30 year 1.95% mortgage program. So please call me so we can get this loan in the process and get this loan funded as soon as possible. Once again, this is Scott Grant at Century Financial Group at 866-828-9875. Thanks a lot. Have a great day. Bye bye."

Nov 14: Answering machine spam: Recording of William Harrison with "the financial department"

This recording has now called on the Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, Nov 1, 10, and 14.

"Hello. This is William Harrison in the financial department? I'm following up with you on your current loan? Based on your payment history, you've been preselected for a lower interest rate? Possibly as low as 1% on your current mortgage? Please press 1 to speak to a loan specialist? Again, please press 1 to speak to a loan specialist. Or press 2 to be removed from our list."

Nov 14: Answering machine spam: Anonymous

"Hello... hello..." Then some unintelligible (probably in some Indian language) stuff just as he hung up.

Nov 14: Answering machine spam: Recording of Michelle from "the mortgage department"

This recording has called twice today, at 11:50am, at 12:40pm.

This recording has called on Oct 6, 19, Nov 7, 8, 11 and twice on 14, as well as Nov 4 with "the financial department" with slightly different wording.

"Hi. This is Michelle with the mortgage department. Based on your current payment history, we have preapproved you for a new interest rate, as low at 1%. Your confirmation number is 000000. To take advantage of the lowest rates in the state of California, with absolutely no points and no fees, press number 1 key now. Or press 2 to be removed from the marketing list."

There were also calls from "William Harrison" from "the financial department" on Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, Nov 1, 10 and 14.

Nov 14 7pm: Anonymous rudeness

After a long delay, a woman's voice: "Well, I sure wouldn't want to talk to them." Then, she hung up.

If I'm on some sort of shit list, why are those fuckers calling in the first place?

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Nov 13: Recording from stocknewsonline.com

The jerks are now calling on Sundays.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Nov 11: Answering machine spam: Anonymous telemarketer

"Hello... Hello..." Obviously he didn't hear the answering machine message.

Nov 11: Answering machine spam: Recording of Michelle with "the mortgage department"

This recording has called on Oct 6, 19, Nov 7, 8 and 11, as well as Nov 4 with "the financial department" with slightly different wording.

"Hi. This is Michelle with the mortgage department. Based on your current payment history, we have preapproved you for a new interest rate, as low at 1%. Your confirmation number is 000000. To take advantage of the lowest rates in the state of California, with absolutely no points and no fees, press number 1 key now. Or press 2 to be removed from the marketing list."

There were also calls from "William Harrison" from "the financial department" on Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, Nov 1 and 10.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Nov 10: Answering machine spam: Recording of William Harrison with "the financial department"

This recording has now called on the Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, Nov 1, and 10. When will this jerk stop calling?

"Hello. This is William Harrison in the financial department? I'm following up with you on your current loan? Based on your payment history, you've been preselected for a lower interest rate? Possibly as low as 1% on your current mortgage? Please press 1 to speak to a loan specialist? Again, please press 1 to speak to a loan specialist. Or press 2 to be removed from our list."

Nov 10: Answering machine spam: Recording of Shawn with anonymous mortgage company

"Hello. My name is Shawn and this is a courtesy call to let you know that Fanny Mae has expanded their underwriting guidelines to allow more people to qualify for low interest rate home loans. With interest rates as low as they are, which means if you have good credit, less than perfect credit, or even a recent bankruptcy, we can help. With financing options as low as 1%, you can use the money to consolidate bills, refinance credit card debt, or simply lower your current payment. If you are NOT interested IN this free quote, please hang up now, or press 2 to be added to our do not call list. If you would LIKE a free quote, please press 1 to connect to a home loan specialist. Again, press 1 for a no obligation rate quote."

Being called by a telemarketer recording equals "courtesy"? Who could believe such bullshit?

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Nov 8: Answering machine spam: Anonymous telemarketer

"Hello, may I speak to the owner of the home please." Moron.

Nov 8: Answering machine spam: Recording of Chris with LPM

"Hello. This is Chris and I'm calling with LPM. We're showing it's time for you to get a rate reduction loan. With this loan, you can lower your monthly payment, get cash out, or even both, at rates of lower to your benefit, regardless of credit, so give us a call at 1-877-619-3863, today or tomorrow, and we will do your appraisal for FREE. Again, the number is 1-877-619-3863. Thanks. Have a great day."

"at rates of lower to your benefit"? I'm not sure exactly what the recording said, but I couldn't interpret it in any way that makes sense.

Nov 8: Answering machine spam: Recording of Michelle with "the mortgage department"

This recording has called on Oct 6, 19, Nov 7 and 8, as well as Nov 4 with "the financial department" with slightly different wording.

"Hi. This is Michelle with the mortgage department. Based on your current payment history, we have preapproved you for a new interest rate, as low at 1%. Your confirmation number is 000000. To take advantage of the lowest rates in the state of California, with absolutely no points and no fees, press number 1 key now. Or press 2 to be removed from the marketing list."

There were also calls from "William Harrison" from "the financial department" on Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, and Nov 1.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Nov 7: Answering machine spam: Recording of Michelle with "the mortgage department"

This recording has called on Oct 6, 19 and Nov 7, as well as Nov 4 with "the financial department" with slightly different wording.

"Hi. This is Michelle with the mortgage department. Based on your current payment history, we have preapproved you for a new interest rate, as low at 1%. Your confirmation number is 000000. To take advantage of the lowest rates in the state of California, with absolutely no points and no fees, press number 1 key now. Or press 2 to be removed from the marketing list."

There were also calls from "William Harrison" from "the financial department" on Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, and Nov 1.

Nov 6: Answering machine spam: Political crap

This is FEC Research with a 45 second public survey. Are you registered to vote in California?"
"This was a public survey call. We may call back later."

This recording has called Nov 3, 5 and 6.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Nov 4: Answering machine spam: Recording of Michelle with "the financial department"

This recording has called on Oct 6 and 19 with slightly different wording, as well as Nov 4.

"Hi. This is Michelle with the financial department. Based on your current payment history, we have preapproved you for a new interest rate, with unlimited cash out. Your preapproval number is 000000. To take advantage of the lowest rates in the state of California, press 1 now. Or press 2 to be removed from the marketing list."

So, the recording of Michelle calls from both "the mortgage department", and "the financial department". Both are also deceptive, uninformative names that don't seem to be associated with any real business.

There were also calls from "William Harrison" from "the financial department" on Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, and Nov 1.

Nov 4: Answering machine spam: Political crap

Pro-proposition 73 crap.

Nov 5: Answering machine spam: Political crap

Arnold Schwartzenegger proposition crap.

Nov 5: Answering machine spam: Political crap

"This is FEC Research with a 45 second public survey. Are you registered to vote in California?"
"This was a public survey call. We may call back later."

This recording has called Nov 3 and 5.

Nov 5 2:29pm: "Kevin" with American First Financial

He also said that neither he nor American First Financial called me. He also said the only other information he had was my phone number and that I had a mortgage. I asked him about it, to be certain that the only information was the phone number and that the phone number was associated with a mortgage. I asked him where he got the information. He said it was from their marketing department. I asked him where their marketing department was. He said it was right next to him. I asked him to ask the marketing department where they got my phone number.

Then, someone else came on the line and said that "Kevin" lied a lot and he was going to fire him right now. He told me repeatedly that he was going to kick that guy out. Getting someone fired doesn't make me happier. The other guy said that they had my name and address as well, so somebody was definitely lying. He said they got my name from public records. I asked what public records. He said the marketing department got it from the public records, so I asked him to ask the marketing department. He said the marketing department doesn't come in on Saturdays. I noted that "Kevin" said the marketing department was right there. He said that guy lies a lot again. He gave me a phone number: 619-877-7966 to call, and a name, "John Whyteman".

Listening to that guy repeatedly go on and on about how he's going to kick this other guy out reflects badly on "American First Financial".

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Nov 3: Answering machine spam: Recording of political survey

"This is FEC Research with a 45 second public survey. Are you registered to vote in California?"
"This was a public survey call. We may call back later."

Less than a week until the election. The political crap could have been much worse. There has been lots of political crap in my mailbox every day, but this is only the second phone call. Maybe they realize that annoying potential voters is a bad idea. Too bad all the satellite tv and mortgage companies haven't made that realization.

Nov 3 8:30am: Dish Network

I don't remember much about the call, but I said "I'm not interested." many times. The telemarketer just kept saying more things. I should have counted how many times I said "I'm not interested." Once, she asked me what I'm not interested in. I said I wasn't interested in whatever it was she was selling.

Nov 2: Answering machine spam: Recording of Kathy at Loan Emporium

"Hi. It's Kathy at Loan Emporium, and I wanted to let you know about a loan program for home owners that do NOT want to refinance. That's right. You don't have to touch your existing mortgage. There is no appraisal needed. No requirements of time in your home, and less that perfect credit is okay. This loan can be approved, and the cash in your hand in two to three weeks. So. Get rid of any high interest credit cards, or make any home improvements. Now is the time to do it. To hear more, press 9. Press 8 to be removed, but press 9 now to get more information."

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Nov 1: Answering machine spam: Recording of William Harrison with "the financial department"

This recording has now called on the Sept 2, 6, 20, 21, 22, 29, Oct 12, 13, 25, 28, and Nov 1.

"Hello. This is William Harrison in the financial department? I'm following up with you on your current loan? Based on your payment history, you've been preselected for a lower interest rate? Possibly as low as 1% on your current mortgage? Please press 1 to speak to a loan specialist? Again, please press 1 to speak to a loan specialist. Or press 2 to be removed from our list."

Nov 1: Answering machine spam: Recording of political crap

Since voting will be in a week, at least this crap should end by then.