So yesterday I got ambushed, twice, while I was trying to take a nap.

They were two phone calls, from some company (they never slowed down enough that I could write down the company name), selling magazine deals. Five magazines for $3 and some change per week. For signing up I also get some free watch and an entry into a sweepstakes sponsored by Visa and Mastercard. Sounded pretty good. So, sure, why not. Gave them my info (they already had my address and knew I was a Visa holder), went back to lie down.

Thought about it. Got really sketched out. Tried calling back the number, got an answering machine (which still wouldn't tell me the name of the company), left a message requesting information. Reverse phone lookup showed it as a residential landline in Tampa, FL. Severely sketchy. Left another message early this morning.

Finally got another call from them just now. A third person, some woman, calling to confirm my information. Had no idea I'd left two messages. I indulged her confirmation questions until she asked if I understood the reason for the deal and the sweepstakes. I said I'd like to hear the full terms of the sweepstakes again, and she kinda sputtered like no one had ever asked that before. So I told her I changed my mind and I don't want the deal.

First she asked why. I indulged this question as well, though I was inclined not to, and I told her yesterday's two guys were pretty good salesman, talked me into it, and after sleeping on it I changed my mind. Plus it's unacceptable not to be able to reach anyone with my questions. So I'd like the order cancelled.

Then she got an attitude. Told me she really couldn't, the order had already been placed, and asked me to see it from her "company's point of view." Tried to reassure me when I implied that this whole thing smelled like a scam. Asked why I would approve the order yesterday if I didn't have any interest in it. Tried to sell me three different shorter/starter/student deals. I finally had to tell her that the more she tried to sell to me instead of listen to me, the more I found her company's methods unacceptable. I told her that I know an order can be canceled, and if she couldn't do it then she would have to direct me to someone who could.

Her whole tone changed as she said, "Well, obviously we won't be able to work this out, so I'll just cancel that order."

I resisted the urge to say FINALLY, and opted for "Thank you, that is all I want." And then we said good day. Longest nine-minute phone call ever.