why O why

[unemployed]

Why do these agencies keep trying to get contacts from me.

"We need to speak to your old managers before we can proceed"

Piss off you scamming twat.

[ladymuck]

I tell them they've retired abroad (it is true for one manager and has worked so well as an excuse, I use it for all!)

[DimPrawn]

I tell them Data Protection Act forbids me from giving out their details.

For references, I tell them the clients do not give out references for contractors (which is true for most clients).

If that doesn't work, slam the phone down.

[Board Game Geek]

Here's a suggestion.

The next time an agent calls and he or she is spamming for a manager's name and details, say innocently :

"Oh Bob ? Yeah, he was my best manager. He can vouch for me. Here is his DIRECT number"....

....and give the agent a number they have never had before, but one you have access to, eg, a secondary mobile you own, or a land line you can access easily.

The agent will be so STUNNED that I guarantee they will be wetting their pants (or knickers) with excitement, and as soon as your call ends, they will be dialling BOB's DIRECT NUMBER faster than a lepoard on speed.

Now answer the phone as "BOB" and listen to their spiel. See if they want to chat about the real you, what they have to say, etc. Close the call as you see fit.

Enjoy !

Don't forget to post the outcome on here :-)