If it's a survey, asking the how much they're paying usually gets rid of them, and telling them that all calls to this number are recorded for training purposes has the same effect.
I agree with triggerhippy. I usually say something like, "Thank you for calling, but I'm not really interested." If they do not then take the hint, I just put the phone down.
A firm thanks but no thanks is usually enough. Being unkind or humiliating people doing their job isn't my style. They may annoy me but it was my choice to answer the phone......
I have resorted to being rude and I know they are only doing a job but my politeness has run out! I have also resorted to lying, if they are selling some kind of insurance I say we are covered by the bank (banks cover you for everything these days and usually have the best rates for their customers).
I agree, Daffy, but at least TPS cuts out the UK ones. Not much that can be done about the ones from abroad. Their systems generate random numbers, say 5 all at once, and the first person to pick up gets the spiel. Anyone picking up after the first gets silence. Even an ex-directory number is not immune. I'm ex-d and registered with TPS, and if i get such a call - and the number is not withheld, I email the TPS giving date, time and incoming number.
Getting a lot of calls from 0800 0852652 just lately, no one there when I answer, so don't answer now if I recognise number, checked with 'Who called me' site, reckon it's Barclays, don't use them so don't need to talk to them!
When they very cheerily ask how I'm doing today, I tell them, in great detail brooking no interruption, itemising all body parts, how they're working and what medication I'm on or want to be on or have ever been on. It can take a few minutes but they usually hang up. That's if I'm feeling chatty. If not I just hang up.