This is my favorite, a long time ago before I got caller id and on the no call list, usually the first thing a telemarketer will say after they either ask for you or the head of the household, is how are you doing? So I told them, I lost my job, my husband ran off with a bimbo, my oldest son was arrested and put in jail on trumped up charges, I am in a court fight with my neighbor over property lines. I went to the doctor and not only is my blood pressure up but had this horrible cold. Turns out it was pneumonia and he wanted to put me in the hospital. But I couldn't go since I lost my job, I don't have health insurance and not even sure how I was going to pay him.
Before I knew it the person on the other end hung up before I could continue on. That's what they get when they ask "How are you today?"
BTW, this works almost all the time. One time it didn't but I do think the person on the other end didn't have too much in the way of brains because she asked me to buy something. I asked her what didn't she understand about me not having a job and no money. She didn't get it so I told her no thanks and hung up. Oh well, so much for the fun!
Since in my state we have a no call list, I have noticed it has cut out these calls considerably. If by chance one does get through, I politely thank them for calling and tell them that as of this date and time I am officially requesting they remove my name from their calling list. If they refuse and I do get any future calls from this company, they will be reported to the state's attorney general's office. That usually stops future calls.