Misleading Phone Survey in The Villages

[Villages PL]

A few days ago I received a phone call from a woman who said she was conducting a Villages survey. She just wanted to ask a question or two.
Mainly she wanted to know how I would feel about a plan to convert waste water into drinking water. I answered her question(s) and she said she would enter my name into a drawing which would award a prize for some lucky survey participant. So I said, "okay", and that was that.

This morning I got call to inform me that I was one of the winners. The choice was either a ten dollar gas card or a gift card for a local restaurant. I chose the gas card. She said, "we will send a man over to deliver your card but we ask that you allow us to test your water". That's when I learned that she represents a company that sells water purifiers. I said, "okay". And she told me her manager would call me back to verify the appointment.

As soon as I hung up, I realized I shouldn't have agreed to it. I called seniors vs crime and told my story. The man who answered the phone told me the whole scheme was designed to gradually draw people in. It would be more than just a water test, it would be a demonstration of a water filtration system. This is where a high pressure salesman tells you how you are doomed if you keep drinking bad quality water.

So, when the manager called to confirm the appointment, I told him I changed my mind. End of story.

This is just a warning not to fall prey to misleading surveys! :ho:

:duck:

[quirky3]

It's a good thing you did that! When I first moved into my home in Florida, I agreed to a water test. The man set up a long row of vials, etc and then asked to borrow my phone to call his manager. He kept my phone on him and took a really long time. When I finally said I was out of time and he had to leave, he said he had to call his manager and you could hear (probably a pre-recorded) person yelling at him on the other end of the line. He really dragged his feet and still had my phone so I demanded my phone back and opened the door and insisted he leave. He still wouldn't until I threatened to call security. What a racket!!

[Bogie Shooter]

There is one born every day......................they are looking for you.

[Villages PL]

It's a good thing you did that! When I first moved into my home in Florida, I agreed to a water test. The man set up a long row of vials, etc and then asked to borrow my phone to call his manager. He kept my phone on him and took a really long time. When I finally said I was out of time and he had to leave, he said he had to call his manager and you could hear (probably a pre-recorded) person yelling at him on the other end of the line. He really dragged his feet and still had my phone so I demanded my phone back and opened the door and insisted he leave. He still wouldn't until I threatened to call security. What a racket!!

Thanks, now I know I did the right thing! They are not in busines to give away free gas cards. :)

[jblum315]

I have a very simple system. I simply don't answer the phone unless the Caller ID gives me an identity. No one that I know or do business with has an anonymous or blank phone number. I wouldn't open my door to a stranger. Why would I pick up a call from a stranger?

[looneycat]

I have a very simple system. I simply don't answer the phone unless the Caller ID gives me an identity. No one that I know or do business with has an anonymous or blank phone number. I wouldn't open my door to a stranger. Why would I pick up a call from a stranger?

my only REGISTERED land line is my fax line....I let the annoying buzz answer those annoying calls...
:clap2:

[Figmo Bohica]

You all have it wrong. The best way to answer and take care of these calls are like this:

Once they start, enterupt them, in a gravely voice ask:

"What ya weanin'?"

Next quetion.

"Are ya naked?"

The next sound you will hear is the caller hanging up.

Works everytime and your number is removed from the data base.

[graciegirl]

THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Be very suspicious of anyone giving you anything unless you have known the person well.

My mom told me that.....a long time ago.

[John_W]

About 18 months ago when our phone number was new we got a call and they said they were from Home Depot and wanted to present us with a welcome baseket and a $25 gift card. I said great, I could of used that yesterday since I just bought a lawn mower in your store, I don't need anything right now so just mail me the card. They said they wanted to present it in person and while they were here they would like to test my water for it's quality. I said, my water is just fine, mail me the card. I never got the $25 gift card, imagine that.