Not A National Claim

(I am the receptionist. Telemarketers often try to be put through to one of the company directors, and part of my job is sorting the legitimate calls from the salespeople.)

Me: “Good morning. [Company Name]. This is [My Name].”

Caller: “Hi, it’s [Name] from National. Can I speak to [Director], please?”

Me: “Sure, but, sorry. I missed who you were?”

Caller: “My name’s [Name].”

Me: “And where were you calling from?”

Caller: “From National.”

Me: “… Okay. National what?”

Caller: “Uh, National Corporation.”

Me: *trying not to laugh* “There’s no way that’s a business name.”

Caller: *indignant* “Yes, it is!”

Me: “I’m sorry. Unless you have a good reason to speak to [Name], I can’t put you through.”

Caller: “Fine. I’ll just email him!” *click*

(I checked with that director’s assistant later. We definitely don’t have any dealings with a company called ‘National Corporation,’ and if this person really had the director’s email address, they would also have had his direct phone number and not needed to come through reception at all!)