I've had several automated calls advising my auto warranty was expiring, and to push 1 to speak to a representative. Last time I pressed one, I received dead air (like their call center employee had put their head set down and left their station, or they had me on mute and were avoiding calls.) So, today, I pressed 1, again, and got a person with a heavy accent. I remained meticulously polite through the conversation, which went like this:
Person said they were located in Santa Ana, CA. Couldn't tell me anything about the vehicle except "It's a vehicle registered between 1997 and 2007." Said the name of the company was "Auto Solutions."
When I asked where they got my number to call me I was told, "I didn't call you, I'm responding to your request for information." I clarified, asking where her company got my number to call me & she said, "As I told you, I didn't call you, I'm responding to your request for information, <pointedly> DO you understand that?" I apologized and said, "Sorry. My phone rang. I received a message stating that my warranty was expiring and to push 1 if I wanted more information. I pushed 1 and got you. Did a car dealership give your company my name...?" She replied, "Do you want me to put you on our Do Not Call list?"
When I advised, ""No, I'm trying to find out more information about your company and my 'warranty that is expiring...'" the phone went silent (again, like I was put on mute.) After about 45 seconds or so, the phone went dead -- she'd hung up on me.
When I dialed the number that came up on caller ID, I got, "We're sorry, your call cannot be completed as dialed, or the number has been disconnected. Please check the number and dial again."