So this is how credit card hell starts. . .

[doni49]

I have a number from this site that I use as my phone number when asked
http://www.humorhotlines.com/rejectionhotline.asp
Try one of the listed numbers out, they go to a recording (Listing the site because there are different local numbers by state)

I LOVE it!

[clevelandmom]

I have a number from this site that I use as my phone number when asked
http://www.humorhotlines.com/rejectionhotline.asp
Try one of the listed numbers out, they go to a recording (Listing the site because there are different local numbers by state)

OMG. . .this is funny!!!! LOL

[goon]

I have a number from this site that I use as my phone number when asked
http://www.humorhotlines.com/rejectionhotline.asp
Try one of the listed numbers out, they go to a recording (Listing the site because there are different local numbers by state)

[lynzy]

*facepalm*

I used to work in retail and while we always had to the the spiel once, we didn't have to shove it down people's throats. I hated even saying it once.

Luckily I usually use my bank debit card (or a walmart debit card my husband uses) and so I don't have to deal with it to often.

[UnderH2OMom]

My vet has one of those plans where you get the work done now, but pay later. It seems everyone is trying to push credit on me.

As for putting back the dress....oh God.....have you ever shopped with a teenage girl? When I take my daughter out for a special occasion dress, it usually lasts 6 hours or more, she tries on 75+ dresses, we have to hit a dozen stores, and there are usually tears involved (from her, me, or both of us). I would crawl through broken glass before I put back that dress. Lol!

[ByeByeCCs]

I had a change in dental plans recently and had to switch to one of those corporate dentists. I do need some work done and they hit me with a price. I tell them it will have to wait and they start pushing the payment plan handing me the credit application. I explain that the work will have to wait until I have the cash. They start giving me the department store spiel, "If you pay it back in six months there is no interest, that is the same as paying in cash." I laughed and said no thank you. They seemed very frustrated by this.

[wonderingrov]

One of my favorite phone numbers to give these stores is (123) 456-7890. If you really want to get some looks, give them (666) 666-1234.

[doni49]

Several years ago at Christmas I was in line at Goodys to buy a sweater and I did plan to use a credit card. The clerk asked for my phone number and address, said it was required. I refused to give it to her because the credit card co. would pay Goodys and I would pay them and I had just seen a magazine article that stores would try it to get mailing list information (that was pre-email). When the clerk insisted, I asked for a manager and the manager confirmed that it was Goodys requirement. By that time the line was getting looong - it was Christmas after all. When the manager stood her ground and asked for the phone number and address - I handed them the sweater and told them I didn't want it that bad and walked out. Like DebtHater said upthread - there were other stores.

I would have made up an address and phone number on the spot. In fact I HAVE done that in cases where there was no valid reason for them to have it.

For example, websites that insist on having an email address before they'll provide you with information. I've given the email address of "[email protected]" on many occasion.

[Flamingo]

Remember when ToysRUs would ask for your phone number, for their survey, they said. I always refused to give it. It may have been harmless, but I don't like being asked for info like that.

A friend of mine when asked for a phone number made one up using various area codes.

[clevelandmom]

LOL Freedomnow! The store would only get my HOME number. . . God has my cell! LOL

[freedomnow7]

It was because I didn't feel comfortable stating my phone number right there in front of God and everybody! How did I know there wasn't some stalker in line trying to get my info? Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but still! LOL

LOL Clevelandmom - You don't want God to know your phone number??? What if he has to call to tell you something important?? Too funny!! :-)

[clevelandmom]

LOL! I love all of your responses. One of the worst stores I have found is Bath and Body Works. They want your email address and phone number and everything else. I always feel bad, no matter which store I'm in, when they start asking for my phone number. My response is "no thank you" - but it didn't start out because I didn't want mailers from them. It was because I didn't feel comfortable stating my phone number right there in front of God and everybody! How did I know there wasn't some stalker in line trying to get my info? Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but still! LOL

[Flamingo]

To those of us who are currently living the wonderful life of credit card slavery hell, this is how (I think) it all begins. . .

My daughter had to buy a formal dress for a dance at the end of this month. (Before you all yell at me, my parents gave me a $50 bill to pay for her dress). So she went to the mall with a girlfriend today, and when she found the dress, I went to the mall to meet her and pay for it. The total for the dress, including tax, was $53.00. So I was holding the $50 bill in my hand, reaching it out to the sales lady, and this is how the conversation went (I'm sure you've all heard this before):

Sales Lady: "Will this be on your Macy's charge?"
Me: "No thank you. I'll pay cash." (It was dead obvious, but I think she pretended not to notice the money I was practically shoving in her face).
Sales Lady: "Do you have a Macy's charge account?"
Me: "No, thank you."
Sales Lady: "Would you like to open a Macy's charge account?"
Me: "No, thank you."
Sales Lady: " If you open a charge account today, you will save an additional 20%"
Me: "No, thank you. I'll pay cash."
Sales Lady: "Are you sure??"
At this point I gave her "the look," hoping she would get the hint and cut it out already. She didn't.
Sales Lady: "You would save about . . . "
And now I cut her off. "For the last time - NO, THANK YOU."
She looked at me like I had 3 heads growing out of my neck. I looked over at my daughter and her friend, and even they rolled their eyes. I wanted to tell this lady that credit cards are the very reason I have landed in financial hell, but I held my tongue. (well, that and my husband is on unemployment). I figured I would save it for my Forum friends.

I told my husband about it, and he told me he has an even better way of stopping them. He said when they start badgering him with their 20 questions, he starts with, "I didn' know you guys gave credit to ex-felons?" That usually makes them back off really fast. LOL!!

Note that the check out person gets money or perks for the amount of credit cards that she is able to get customers to open. She is just doing her job and probably being watched/taped that she asks all those questions. As always, you did the best thing - just learn to say "No."

[wonderingrov]

I hate these grocery stores that try to sell you on getting these cards every time you go into the store. Of course, to get the cards, you have to send them your name, address, phone number, and all that. Why do you need all that information to sell me a gallon of milk? I'll just do my grocery shopping at the local Walmart - their prices are cheaper anyway, and you don't have any of those silly cards to deal with (at least not here and not right now).

[freedomnow7]

Remember when ToysRUs would ask for your phone number, for their survey, they said. I always refused to give it. It may have been harmless, but I don't like being asked for info like that.

Yes, because it's absolutely NONE of their business! They want too much information on folks these days.