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In the News : SAIF
Publication: Spectrum
By: Stan Gilliam
Date: October 15, 2002
Don't Be Afraid to Hang Up the Telephone
Recently I heard an interesting and informational presentation by a representative of SAIF, which, if you are unaware, stands for Seniors Against Investment Fraud. SAIF is an arm of the state's Department of Corporations, which is interested in protecting us seasoned citizens from unscrupulous predators.
And from ourselves, as well.
The first question that came to my mind was just why are those in our age category, with the experiences of entire lifetimes in back of us, so often the prey of these financial scumbags?
After a little thought, I believe I came up with the basic answer: It's because we're members of the polite generation.
We're of the generation which answers and then listens when a complete stranger dials our telephone number or pushes our doorbell. We somehow feel that complete stranger is entitled to our time and our attention.
Why? We have been interrupted from whatever else we were doing -- in many cases consuming a meal which is quickly growing cold.
It's possible, of course, to simply hang up, but many just can't bring themselves to do that. Instead, just tell the truth:
"I never buy from a telemarketer. I never deal with strangers. If I need something, I know it already, and I can find a local tax-paying merchant from whom to buy it. If I don't need it, I don't care what you're selling, because I'm not buying."
Oh, but you've "won a prize." Yeah, and Santa will be coming down the chimney at Christmas, too. Just remember, there's no possible way to win a prize in a contest you haven't entered.
It's not always easy to get rid of a persistent pest, but it is possible.
I recall many years ago, when I was a young father, there was an insurance salesman who came around regularly, always refusing to take no for an answer. His chief selling point was that my boss bought a policy from him. Wrong tactic, because I didn't really care much for my boss.
The last time "Salesman Sam" came to our apartment I was about to descend to the bowels of the building and fill the Easy Spin-Drier with a washer load of diapers. He followed, giving me the opening I'd hoped for for so long.
I overloaded the machine with soap, creating a mountainous mass of suds which splattered all over his suit. And that's what it took to get through to him with my message. I never saw him again.
Then I bought a policy from the only salesman who ever said, "By the way, I'm in insurance. If you ever are in the market, I'd appreciate a call." Fifty years later, we're still friends.
Getting back to the subject, if you're sure you can ultimately say "no" and mean it, let the guy talk. But if you have the slightest doubt about your own willpower, cut him off even if it means just hanging up the phone.
Remember, the person who breaks in on you is not - repeat, not - trying to do you a favor. Rather, he's trying to get you to do one for him. And you're not obliged.
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