Once more, the Red Prii

Red Prii, continued
Originally uploaded by thane

Cabo Junk Fax

I normally don't have the telephone cable plugged into my fax machine unless I'm expecting something, but lately I've been receiving more faxes from various people, and have had to leave it plugged in long enough to start receiving junk faxes (again).

I'm getting one for a decidedly bogus-looking vacation to Cabo about once every twenty-four hours.

I decided to call them up on their 800 number and have some fun.

THANE: Hi—I received a fax about a Cabo vacation?

PERSON: Yes! Have you ever been to Mexico before?

THANE: I'd like to have my fax number removed from your dialing list.

PERSON: Oh, absolutely. What is your fax number? We'll take care of it immediately.

THANE: Have a pencil ready?

PERSON: Yes, go ahead.

THANE: OK, here's my number. Ready?

PERSON: Yes.

THANE: (slowly and clearly) 6-5-0

PERSON: 6-5-0, yes...

THANE: 3-2-3...

PERSON: 3-2-3...

THANE: 4-9-2-8. Got it?

PERSON: 4-9-2-8, OK. Yes. I'll take care of it immediately.

THANE: Well, anyway, I am curious about the vacation...what does it cost?

PERSON: Well, it's a combined package, and you'll want—

THANE: Oh, wait a sec---could you tell me my fax number again? I'd like to confirm you've got the right number.

PERSON: Ummm....

THANE: You know, the number I just gave you?

PERSON: Umm...650, uh 322, 4792?

THANE: Hmmm—I think I caught you—you never even wrote it down, right? You're not going to do a single thing to remove my fax number, right? Let's just drop the pretending and be honest with each other, OK?

PERSON: [Long pause]. (Hangs up)

* * *
A small pleasure, yes, but I enjoyed it.