I usually tell them the house is up for sale.

When we were in the Uk and someone cold called selling something, if my husband answered he used to say 'sorry I haven't got a phone' and then hang up. No-one ever called back!

Here we just pretend we don't speak spanish, which is probably what I would do with any religious types. Must look up the spanish for atheist just in case.

I was lucky this time because I happened to look out of the window and spotted them along the road so when the bell went I just did not respond. If I remember rightly they come around once a year and I think that we have had one cold caller to the door in the past year so not too bad and as for the telephone it is normally the telephone company and I of course then pretend that I do not understand and they give up.

Rosemary

Whenever the house phone goes or I get an unknown caller on the mobile I shout "H..E..L..L..O..?" loudly, slowly and very clearly. They usually just put the phone down.

Never thought of doing that.

Rosemary

I just say not interested and cut the call.

I just say I will get my dad please wait, then put the phone to one side for 5 to 10 minutes