I may be the luckiest guy around.  In the last week, I have been randomly selected to win: trips, cash, TVs, a college education and, most importantly, rude wake-up calls.

One morning last week I woke up to 2 missed calls. Thankfully the ringer had been off. Not to worry, they were going to call back. Again. And again.

I have stopped counting now, almost a week later. Most of the calls come in the early morning, and some throughout the day. They all seem to originate from either Virginia or Florida. The worst offenders are: Westgate Resorts, National Reader Service and eTour & Travel. Yes, I checked - they’re all scams.

Usually they ask for me by name. I have quizzed a few of them; they know more than my name. They usually have my name, address and cell phone number. Interestingly, they have the wrong email address and birthdate for me. Often they’ll try to tell me that I filled out an online survey (or requested to be contacted by a realtor about foreclosure properties, etc). I think that’s just a scam to get around the telemarketing laws. Rather than being a cold call, they’re claiming that we have a relationship - I asked them to call me.

Thankfully, they’re slowing down. But for the few that still trickle in, I have a new weapon in my fight against the annoyance. I found a way to get them to hang up on me.

I let them do their little introduction, which invariably includes some prize that I’ve won. Then I calmly say: “I currently reside in Nevada and the laws of this state may apply to this phone call. Do you understand?” That’s all it takes. They make a few confused noises, perhaps asking me to repeat what I said, then finally realize that something is up. And they hang up.

Why do they hang up? They aren’t legit and they know it. Now leave me alone.