Secret cheat codes to bypass automated answer menus

punky · 31-01-2006, 17:24

Not a joke apparently.

I haven't tested them, but it was the 5 O'clock on ITV just now with Richard Hammond

http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=5067

Some of the best.

Quote:

Telewest
0845 142 0220 - press * at the first and second prompts

Sky TV technical support
0870 243 5000 - press * # repeatedly

BT - (0800 800 150) - Just press * whenever you get a prompt. Ignore the operator when it says that the shortcut is invalid and press again. This will take you straight through to a ringing tone and an operator.

Unfortunately there isn't one for NTL.

Graham M · 31-01-2006, 17:28

Im sure this was posted a while back, ill have a look

---------- Post added at 17:28 ---------- Previous post was at 17:26 ----------

Cant see it but im sure there was something similar posted

MadGamer · 31-01-2006, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

Not a joke apparently.

I haven't tested them, but it was the 5 O'clock on ITV just now with Richard Hammond

http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=5067

Some of the best.

Quote:

Telewest
0845 142 0220 - press * at the first and second prompts

Sky TV technical support
0870 243 5000 - press * # repeatedly

BT - (0800 800 150) - Just press * whenever you get a prompt. Ignore the operator when it says that the shortcut is invalid and press again. This will take you straight through to a ringing tone and an operator.

Unfortunately there isn't one for NTL.

What about AOL?

**Paul** · 31-01-2006, 18:20

If you know the number sequence you need most systems will let you type it straight in - also, if you just input an invalid option (like #) two/three times most will drop you to an operator.

punky · 31-01-2006, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadGamer

What about AOL?

Dear, God, Wayne, I don't mean to be rude but is it really too much effort for you to click the link I provided and look for yourself? Not only have I provided you with the link, but I now have to regurgitate the bits you are interested in as well?

Paul K · 31-01-2006, 19:12

If you do that for the BT number you will be shoved into the 150 main queue which is the busiest line of business for BT call centers. Getting to the desk that is relevant to your call would be more sensible.... believe me

punky · 31-01-2006, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

If you do that for the BT number you will be shoved into the 150 main queue which is the busiest line of business for BT call centers. Getting to the desk that is relevant to your call would be more sensible.... believe me

Thanx for the inside info

Paul K · 31-01-2006, 19:22

That's ok

I know how bad the queues get some days and the only one worse than the 150 general enquiry number is the 156 billing query number and you do NOT want to be in that queue on a bad day lol

Chris W · 31-01-2006, 20:50

I heard a while ago that there was a guy in the states who made a website of all the different ivr options for various companies, apparently he was going to do the same for UK companies as well but no idea what the website is.

The link punky provided advises using the number as if you are calling from abroad with MBNA cards- this works with capital one and barclaycard too

however, with hsbc you get to the same telephone banking main menu.

Minbu · 31-01-2006, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris W

I heard a while ago that there was a guy in the states who made a website of all the different ivr options for various companies, apparently he was going to do the same for UK companies as well but no idea what the website is.

Think it's: www.paulenglish.com/ivr/uk