21/12/12……..Keeping cool with cold callers

Dear Editor, Those of us who date from Before Computers have to learn fast, for unseen watchers know what we have bought on line and what our interests may be. For instance, on Facebook I am frequently offered various aids to living at my stage in life. Arthritis treatments or catheters for example. On the plus side, however, sometimes an advertisement appears for a dating service. And equity release features often.

On the phone I have always tried to be considerate to cold callers. They are only trying to earn a living. But they seem very persistent at the moment. It?s not fun for anyone to be rejected and I try to resist these callers? approaches courteously rather than angrily. However for the caller it is a rebuff however it is expressed.

Some callers may not be so innocent, for instance those who claim to have spotted a fault in my computer and, if I will give him all my details they will put it right for me. Beware. I have an old ‘Before Computers’ friend who was conned for a lot of money by one of these people.

My wife has turned the tables on these folk by saying: ?Oh thank you for ringing. I can see you on my screen as you speak?. Phoney caller retreats?

This morning my patience was tempted when a young woman rang to ask me point blank: ?Do you find it more difficult to get in or to get out of the bath??

I told her, patiently, that I did not wish to take part in the questioning. Then I put the phone down.

Then I thought of the perfect answer: ?Depends how big the bath is and who else is in it.? Luckily for me I had put the phone down.

Norman Brand
Thame