Confidentiality Don't give any credit or other confidential information to someone who calls on the phone. Some criminals use telemarketing techniques to get information for theft purposes. These are illegal in many areas, but the law doesn't seem to stop them. Get them to listen Try to consume as much time as possible. At one time the television or radio speaker worked well for that purpose.
More modern machines require more sophistication, however.
Answer, but be nonresponsive. Do not press buttons beyond the first response, but instead state that the phone won't dial, etc. Express interest in the product. If you get a call back, state that you don't want to be subject to antiracketeering laws because you responded to an illegal machine call. If you get a machine call at a residence, give a name that's unique to machine calls.