Strong magnets have been used to slow meters. Some water and electrical meters will run backwards if turned around. Sometimes the tampering of the meter tampering is the utility company. However, when the target is the user, a crude and obnoxious attempt to effect the meter is made on behalf of the target. The tampering is then duly noticed by the meter reader and reported to the utility company.
Newspapers take classified ads by telephones.
Any number of ads may be placed in a newspaper on behalf of a target. A BIG garage sale - starts early Saturday and Sunday. Must sell ex-husbands old gun collection. And many, many others. Full access for first-time callers.