8006847615

(this works with any number they ask for: birthday, street address, etc. this example uses the last four of your social security number)

have some fun with these clowns.

(phone rings)

you: hello?

them: hello, is this so-and-so?

you: (no matter who they ask for) yes.

them: oh, hi, are the last four digits of your social security number 1234?

you: no so fast, let's be secure.

them: sure, we respect privacy here.

you: don't read them off again. do this instead.

them: huh?

you: add the digits up.

them: huh?

you: sure, like if they are 1234, 1 and 2 is 3, 3 and 3 is 6, 6 and 4 is ten.

them: er, ok

you: so, ten, write it down. that's 1 and 0. Add those up. Now you have 1.

them: er, ok.

you: you do that, tell me the number you get. that way, we're secure.

them: hey, we just want to verify.

you: no problem, but this way I know it is not identity theft.

them: no.

you: ok, add them up, add again, give me the number.

them: well, ok, I got 4.

you: 4?

them: yes, 4.

you: well, sorry, you don't want me, wrong answer.

them: are you sure?

you: yes, I can add.

(click)

the secret: waste their time without refusing to do anything. all calls are timed.