A Higher Voice Is Not A Higher Power

(I overhear my coworker’s portion of a call.)

Coworker: “Thank you for calling [account name]. My name is [name]. May I have your name and membership number, please?”

(Looking at his screen, I can tell the account information he’s given pulls up a woman’s account.)

Coworker: “Thank you, sir. Now, I see that this account is under a woman’s name. Are you calling for a wife or family member?”

(While he does this, he’s checking the account to see if anyone besides the account holder has permission to speak.)

Coworker: “Okay, well, I’m very sorry to say this sir, but you are not authorized to speak on this account. Your wife would need to contact us.”

(A moment or two passes.)

Coworker: “Sir, placing me on hold for a few seconds, and then trying to speak in a higher voice will not fool me into thinking you are your wife. Especially as you already told me that she is out of town, in a meeting, and cannot call us herself.”