In the last three years, I have never answered phone calls from unknown numbers.
With a few exceptions, they are all robocalls. They found my mobile phone number in some legit way, or, I guess, in some less than legit way. I’m not too fond of that.
I never missed an important call from a client or a colleague.
Sometimes I answer and try to be as polite as possible. On the other side of the phone, a highly educated young guy is usually trying to earn money in a bloody labor market. You can tell from their tone that they are frustrated. Not everybody behaves like me. I am sure they have to deal with angry and bad-mannered people. It’s not an easy way to make a living.
That’s the reason why I respect them. I listen to the script and then say I am not interested in what they sell. I then thank you and salute them.
Some of them are frustrated, and I know the feeling. I just let it go.
Finding an actual human on the other side of the line is always rare. Most calls are automated, and a charming voice plays some script before you can talk to someone.
Efficiency and cost reduction. That’s the mantra.
Overall it is unfortunate.
In the next few weeks, a new registry will accept mobile numbers that do not want to receive robocalls. I am not sure it is going to work. As I said, there are legit ways for marketers to have my phone number in my database. My fault was that I should have been more conscious when I agreed to share my data for marketing activities.
Nevertheless, I think that these young guys on the other side of the line will have harsh times.
It is quite sad.