Many were a lot younger than Leo XIV
This gallery of fun ways to answer spam calls may be hilarious, but falling victim to a scam is no laughing matter. While pranks and witty comebacks can add humor to the frustrating experience of unsolicited calls, it's crucial to remember the serious risks they pose. Scammers often exploit interactions to gather personal information or trick individuals into financial traps. Staying vigilant, protecting your data, and using tools like call blockers are essential steps to safeguard yourself from becoming a target. After all, while humor can lighten the moment, caution ensures you stay in control.
That said, sometimes a taste of their own medicine is just the ticket to prevent any more annoying calls. Whether it’s answering in an over-the-top accent, pretending to be a detective investigating the very scam they’re running, or enthusiastically trying to sell them a product, these playful tactics can catch spammers off guard. While not foolproof, they can offer a satisfying sense of reclaiming power in an otherwise highly irritating situation. Once they hang up, block them to make sure they can’t call you from that number again. Click to get started.
Tell them your name is something a bit more amusing. Chris P Bacon anyone?
"This is the city zoo, Wolf speaking."
"FBI hotline. This call is being recorded, how may I assist you?"
"KCAP, go ahead, caller. You're on the air!"
Repeat everything they say back to them in an accent of your choice.
"Thanks for calling Home Depot, this is Gene. How may I help you?"
"This is the hokey pokey hotline, we'll help you turn yourself around."
"Alcoholics Anonymous, Jack Daniels speaking."
Ask the caller their name and then cry out in surprise, "Dave! Is that you? Oh my God! Dave, how have you been?"
"This is the cannibal help hotline. Remember, people are friends, not food."
"Oh thank god you called, can I borrow some money?"
Spammer: "Hello, I'm calling about the car accident you were in."
You: "Oh great. I've been in two recently. Which one are you calling about?"
"Pizza Hut, how can I take your order?"
"Bob's Roadkill, you kill 'em, we grill 'em"
Keep putting them on hold. (That usually messes with their call stats and hopefully, they won't be thrilled to call you back.)
"(Your Town) Police Department, Harassment and Fraud Division. This is Officer Smith. Are you calling to report a suspicious number?"
If you have access to a toddler, give the phone to the toddler and tell them that the nice person on the phone wants to hear all about their day.
Try to sell them something.
(In a creepy voice) "What's your favorite scary movie?"
"Did you hear about the exorcist who offers a payment plan? Apparently, if people fall behind on their payments, they’ll get repossessed!"
Just say "yes" to everything. (It will eventually bore them or freak them out)
"Hello, your number is not registered to this phone; please hold the line whilst I transfer you to the police tracking service."
Pretend to be really stressed out and say animal noises calm you down. Ask them to make animal noises.
"Hi, this is Martha. Just kidding! This is voicemail, leave a message after the beep. Beeeeeeeeeep!"
Sources: (Wiki How) (The Argus) (Thought Catalog)
See also: Could it be someone else? Why your family must have an AI safe word
The best lines to deter a spam caller
Hilarious ways to respond and discourage them from calling back
LIFESTYLE Scam
This gallery of fun ways to answer spam calls may be hilarious, but falling victim to a scam is no laughing matter. While pranks and witty comebacks can add humor to the frustrating experience of unsolicited calls, it's crucial to remember the serious risks they pose. Scammers often exploit interactions to gather personal information or trick individuals into financial traps. Staying vigilant, protecting your data, and using tools like call blockers are essential steps to safeguard yourself from becoming a target. After all, while humor can lighten the moment, caution ensures you stay in control.
That said, sometimes a taste of their own medicine is just the ticket to prevent any more annoying calls. Whether it’s answering in an over-the-top accent, pretending to be a detective investigating the very scam they’re running, or enthusiastically trying to sell them a product, these playful tactics can catch spammers off guard. While not foolproof, they can offer a satisfying sense of reclaiming power in an otherwise highly irritating situation. Once they hang up, block them to make sure they can’t call you from that number again. Click to get started.