Bypass IVRS - Talk to a real person - cheatsheet

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Bypass IVRS - Talk to a real person - cheatsheet

Ever wish you could get a real person on the phone? We've got a cheatsheet that tells you how!

AAA Financial1-800-523-7666Press 0 at each menu no matter the response.
AARP Pharmacy Services800-289-8849when the computer voice is done hit 000 ignoring all untill you get a human voice hit 0000
ABN AMRO Mortgage800-783-8900Press ##0.
AccessoriesPlus1845-698-4012Site temporarily down. No contact information available.
Accredited Home Lenders877-683-4466Press 0
Adelphia888-683-1000Press * at each prompt (~ 6)
Adobe Systems800-833-66871 for Adobe, 2 for MacroMedia, 3 for both.
Advance Auto Parts800-314-4243Press 0 when the automated message begins.
Advanta (business cards)800-705-72551, 0
Aetna800-537-93842, then say "operator" (check this)
Aetna800-680-3566* then 0 anytime
AIG877-638-4244Direct to human.
All Brand Service by Maytag800-462-9824Press 0,0.
Alltel Cellular800-255-8351Press # four times.
Amazon.com800-201-7575Remain on the line to reach a customer service representative.
Amazon.com800-201-7575Wait though the first menu for an agent.
Amazon Visa888-247-4080Press 0 twice. Ignore invalid account message.
America First800-999-39610 or say "member services"
American Airlines800-433-730000, then say "agent"
American Education Services800-233-0557Select language, then press 2, then 00# ar each prompt
American Express (Business)800-492-3344Press 0# at each prompt.
American Express800-528-48000 repeatedly
American Funds800-421-0180Press 0.
America Online800-827-6364Press 0 repeatedly, ignoring all messages.
Ameritrade800-669-39003, 3, 0. (Former Datek Clients: 800-823-2835)
Amtrak800-872-72450 or say "agent"
Amtrak877-444-4773Direct to human.
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.800-342-5283Direct to human.
Anheuser-Busch800-342-5283Direct to human
Apple Care800-275-2273Press 0,0,0.
Apple Storeslocal storepress 5 as soon as you hear the automated menu
Apple Tech Support800-275-22730,,0,,0 Wait for IVR response before pressing 0 each time.
Apple800-275-2273000; if virtual rep answers, say "operator"
AT&T Universal Card800-423-4343Do not say anything or push any buttons! It takes awhile, but eventually a human comes on-line!
AT&T Wireless800-888-7600During prompts, press * then # twice.
AT&T800-222-0300Press # four times, then press 1 if for current phone, 2 to enter other number, else 3.
Audible.com888-283-5051Press 3 or just wait through menu.
Aviall Services, Inc800-284-2553Direct to human.
Back to Basics800-688-1989Direct to human.
Banana Republic888-277-89530
Bank of America800 900 9000At ANY Bank of America number, press 00 to get human.
Bank One877-226-566300
Barnes & Noblelocal storePress 1 or 0 during greeting.
Barnes & Noble.com800-843-2665Wait through intro, after language choice it will put you in a hold for an agent
Bayview Loan Services800-457-5105Press 0.
Beechnut800-233-2468Direct to human.
Belkin Tech support800-223-5546Press 0.
BellSouth877-678-2355Press *0.
Best Buy Card800-365-029200* then press 8
Best Buy888-237-8289Listen to intro, then press 1,2,0,0
Best Buy888-237-8289Press 1,1,1,#,# and then wait through the 3 prompts asking for your home telephone number.
Blair800-458-2000Direct to human.
Blockbuster Online866-692-2789Press 1,3,4.
Bloomingdales Credit800-295-4057Say "agent."
Blue Cross FEP800-451-7602Wait for prompt, then press 0, 3 to reach a CS rep.
Bose800-444-2673Direct to human.
Buy.com949-389-2000Dail 0 and direct to rep
Cablevision800-868-9840Press 1 at 1st prompt. Then press * at each prompt. A person will answer but you might be put on hold.
Cannondale Bicycle Corp.800-245-3872Direct to human.
Canon USA800-828-4040Press 0.
Capital One800-903-3637For all Capital One #s, press 0 at each prompt or just don't do anything until finally offered option of representative
Caremark800-262-78900
Catholic Answers888-291-8000Direct to human.
Cellular One888-910-9191Press 4.
Charles Schwab800-435-90503, 0
Charter Communications888-438-2478Press 0 eight times.
Charter866-499-8080Select language, 0,0,0,0,0,0 (and then hold :(
Chase Auto Loans800-346-9670Press 1, 2, *0
Chase Credit Cards800-625-5161Direct to human. (This line is for online issues only.)
Chase800-242-7324At most Chase numbers, press 0 at each prompt; eventually get rep.
Chrysler Financial800-700-0738Select language, then press 00
CIGNA800-516-2898REGARDING A BILL
Cigna800-849-9000##
Cingular800-211-2445Direct to human.
Circuit City Visa800-937-1294Dial 333 to get connected to a customer service representative.
Circuit City Visa888-363-8001Press 0 a lot.
Citibank800-756-7047Otherwise, press 0 at each prompt; eventually get rep.
Citi Cards866-696-5673Press 0 to get a human is offered at many Citibank numbers.
Citizens Bank800-922-9999Press 0,0,0
Columbia Mutual Funds800-345-6611Say "representative."
Comcast800-266-2278Press 000 or be silent and wait.
Comcast800-945-2288Press * at each prompt (~ 9). Or ignore messages (2 min).
Commerce Bank800-937-2000Press 0.
Compaq800-652-6672When asked what product say "I don't know", then "person", ignore message and human will answer (may gave to hold)
CompUSAlocal store0
Countrywide Loans800-669-5864Press 0 repeatedly
Cox Communications877-247-2474Press 4.
Critter Connection215-895-9895Out of business - send email to kcadoptables@yahoo.com.
CVSlocal storePress 6 to connect to store manager.
Decision One Mortgage888-264-3663Don't press any keys when prompted; they transfer you
Dell Customer Service800-624-9896Press 0,0,0,0,0.
Dell800-999-3355Press "0" repeatedly.
Dell888-560-832400, 0, 0, 0
Delta Dental888-335-822700000, wait through message, select language, 4, 0.
Delta Faucet Company800-345-3358Press 0.
Delta800-221-1212Say "agent" 3-4 times - every time it asks for a response from you.
DGI Supply800-923-6255Press 0.
DHL800-225-5345Press 1, press 5, press 0, enter your phone number.
Diner's Club800-729-5309Press 2.
DirectMerchants Bank800-379-7999Press 0 at each prompt; eventually get rep.
Direct TV877-575-4332Person answers.
Directv800-494-4388Silence, and you will be routed to a human/
Discover800-347-2683****
DISH network800-333-DISHPress 0 repeatedly. Transferred to a human or given an estimated wait time.
Dodge and Cox800-621-3979Press 0.
drugstore.com800-378-47862, 5
DS Waters of America800-669-3402Press 1 or 2 for language and then press 0.
Earthlink888-327-8454Press 1 to find a dial-in number; 2 for billing; 3 for sales; 4 for support
eBay800-322-92660,0
Eckerd800-325-37370 for pharmacy, 8* for manager
eCost.com877-888-2678Press 2, 2.
Edward Jones314-515-2000Worldwide corporate HQ in St. Louis, MO still answers 314-515-2000 with switchboard operators, who announce their name as well
Emigrant direct800-836-1997Human answers.
Entertainment Weekly Magazine866-228-1183Say "agent" then "yes" when asked.
Epson800-922-8911yes
Equifax866-640-2273Choose option 3, then press 0 and wait patiently for human.
e*Trade800-786-2575#### (4 pound signs)
Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co.800-438-7352Press 1 for touch-tone telephone and then press 7 for operator.
Express Scripts - TriCare866-363-86670, listen announcement, 0,0.
Exxon Mobil Card800-344-4355000 ignoring message
E-Z Pass888-288-68650,0,0,0 (ignoring "invalid response" messages)
FedEx888-463-3339At message say "Rep"; or press 0
Fidelity NetBenefits800-581-58001,#################
Fidelity800-544-6666ignore prompt for social security number, just enter ###
Fifth Third Bank800-972-30300,0
First National Bank of Omaha888-530-3626Press 0 at each prompt.
Ford Interest Advantage800-462-2614Choose option 4, then option 0 to speak to rep.
Free 411800-373-3411a free alternative to paying $1 or more for 411 calls
Fujitsu PC Support800-385-48780, 0
Gap Credit Card800-887-1198000
Garmin International800-800-1020Press 1.
Gateway800-846-2301Press nothing and wait through message.
GE Appliance800-626-2005Press 0,0,0.
Geek Squad800-433-57780,0,0,0,0,0
GE Finance CareCredit866-893-78641, 6, 5, 0, 0
GEICO800-841-3000Wait for prompt then 6, 1, 5; Or dail 800-555-2752
Georgia Boot877-795-2410Direct to human or individual voicemail.
Glucerna800-986-8501Direct to human.
GMAC Mortgage800-766-4622Press 0 at each prompt.
GM MasterCard800-947-1000Press 0 at each prompt.
Godaddy480-505-88774, #, select 1 for new customer 2 existing customer, #again
Green Dot Online866-443-6227Wait through prompts 3 times, then long wait for rep.
Harris Direct800-825-5723Press 0.
Hewlett-Packard800-474-6836Say "agent".
Holmes800-284-3267Direct to human.
Home Depot800-793-3768# 2-3 times
Home Depotlocal storeDirect to human.
Home Shopping Net800-284-31000
Honda Financial Services800-445-1358Press 0 at each prompt regardless of the message.
Honeywell800-468-1502Press 1, 2, or 3 for language and press 1 for homeowner and then 9 for customer service.
Household Bank (Credit card)800-771-7339Press 0 at each prompt to get human.
HSBC800-477-60001, 3, 0
IBM800-IBM-4YOUYou go into a hold queue immediately
IGIA800-716-8667Press 1 and then hold through the intermittant silence/music.
Ikea800-434-4532Press 0 many times quickly!
IndyMac Bank800-781-7399Press 0 at each prompt regardless of the message.
ING800-464-3473Direct to human.
JC Penney800-222-6161Press 0 twice, ignoring error message.
Jet Blue800-538-25830
John Deere Credit800-541-2969Press 9 once IVR message starts.
JVC America800-252-5722Press 3.
Kayak.com203-899-31200
Key Bank800-539-2968Remain on line; press nothing
KitchenAid800-422-1230Press 3,4,2 and then stay on the line.
K-Martlocal store0
Kodak Gallery (Ofoto)800-360-9098Say "customer service."
Kodak800-235-6325Press *7 or *28.
kodak800-235-6325Press # after intro message.
Kohl's Credit800 564-5740After providing account info, press 0 three times
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging800-285-6422Press 0.
Linksys800-326-7114Press 1, 2, or 3 for language, wait through message and when menu starts press #,#,#.
LL Bean800-441-5713Direct to human
Lowe's800-445-6937Press 0 as the recording kicks in to get to the Operator
Lufthansa800-399-5838Direct to human.
Macy's Credit Customer Service866-593-2543When asked to hear your account information say "No". Then say "More Options" - "Other Options" - "Agent"
Magnavox800-705-2000Say "agent" after selecting language.
Magnavox800-705-2000Say "English" in response to the language prompt. Then say "Speak to an agent".
Mariott Rewards800-321-7396Enter rewards number and press 0 (or just press 0 if you don't have the #).
Marshall Fields Credit Card800-280-4356After greeting, choose option #9, then press 0.
MasterCard800-MC-ASSIST000 on each menu
Maytag800-688-9900Press 0,0.
MBNA800-421-211000 when menu starts
MCI/Costco Calling Card800-938-4949Press 2 four times.
Medco Health1-800-770-2810hit 0000 whenever a puter comes on
Medco800-251-76900000, enter member id or say "i don't have a member id."
MEDCO800-987-5269Say "representative" after each message (3x).
Medicare800-633-4227After the opening prompt say "agent".
Mellon Investor800-649-3593Wait through initial recording finishes, select nothing--wait--you will be connected to a live customer service rep
Memorex Electronics800-919-3647Press 3 and hold through intermittant silence and recording.
Merril Lynch800-229-9040Press 0# at each prompt.
MetLife Bank866-226-5638Press # after each menu.
Metro PCS888-863-8768Press #43.
Microsoft800-936-5700Always 0. This is true for just about any MS number.
Moneygram800-926-9400Press 0 when menu starts.
Motorola800-331-6456Press 0 twice.
M&T Bank800-724-2440Press 0 at each prompt.
Napster800-839-4210Wait for menu and then press 1,4,2.
National Car Rental800-227-7368Direct to human.
NAVY FCU800-914-9494Press 2, then press * 3 times.
NEBS, Inc.800-225-9540Hold for customer service.
Nelnet Student Loans888-826-6055Direct to human
Netflix800-279-5688Say "customer service."
NetFlix888-638-35490
NETGEAR, Inc.888-638-4327Press 3,1.
Nextel800-639-6111Press 0 five times.
Nokia888-665-4228Press 1 for English, then wait for 3 repeats of the recording and then ignore the prompt for your telephone number.
Northwest800-225-2525*, 0,0 after initial greeting
NOVA Information Systems800 377-3962Press 0
Old Navy800-653-62890
Orbitz888-656-4546#,#,#,#,#
Overstock.com800-843-2446At the main menu, 0 three to four times to bypass the menu
Packet8 (VoIP)888-898-8733Ignore message, press 3, then 5 to get to CS rep
Palm813-313-4913Charge of $25 per call.
Panasonic800-211-7262Press 0,0,0.
Paypal Buyer Credit866-571-3012Be silent and at the end of the options press 6.
PayPal402-935-7733Say "agent."
Petcolocal store3
Playstation800-345-7669Press 0 and hold through the recording and then the silence.
PNC Bank888-762-2265Press * till it says "transfering to customer support;" takes about 3 *s.
Principal Financial Group800-547-7754Ignore prompt for social security, press ###.
Principal Life800-247-46951 for english, 2, then 0 several times.
PrintingForLess.com800-930-6040Direct to human.
Privacy Guard800-734-0199Say "agent" or "no" or any word at each prompt.
Providian800-280-0561Press 000 at each prompt until transferred to human.
Prudential Annuity Service Center888-778-2888Press *, *. At SSN prompt, press *, *. At end of message will reach rep.
Prudential Financial800-778-3932Do nothing but listen to the prompts. A live person will come on the line shortly.
Prudential Financial800-778-2255Say "Customer Service Representative" several times after intro.
Qualcomm, Inc800-544-4977Wait for menu to begin, then press 0.
QuickBooks888-729-19961 purchase; 2 billing; 3 registration; 4 tech support or 0 to human
QVC800-367-94440
Qwest800-244-1111Say "Agent" 5 times.
Radio Shack800-843-74220,0
RadioShacklocal storeDirect to human.
RBS Credit Card Services800-747-8155Press 0 at each prompt; eventually get rep.
RCN800-746-4726Press 5, then 3, then 1.
Real Networks Rhapsody866-311-0567Direct to human.
Rent-A-Center800-422-81861
Rite Aidlocal storePress 3 to speak to the pharmacy
Safewaylocal storeAs soon as voice prompt starts type 1200 to get human
Sallie Mae - Student Loans888-272-5543Don't speak or enter anything and you will be transferred to an agent.
Sallie Mae888-272-5543Press 00 at each prompt.
SBC DSL Support877-722-3755Say "no" and enter your phone # (or "yes" if calling from same number on account), then press 0 repeatedly.
SBC800-585-7928Again, an (intelligent, this time) IVR wants YOUR phone number first.
Sealy800-697-3259Wait through all menu options (approximately 2.5 minutes) and hold for a customer service representative.
Sears Delivery800-732-7747*122
Sears Repairs800-469-4663Repeat "Help" everytime the IVR tries to give options.
Sears800-4-MY-HOMEBe silent to be put in queue for human.
Sharper Image800-344-9919Direct to human.
Simple Freedom800-335-6401Press 1, then 3, then 2.
Sirius888 539-7474Press 1 at 1st prompt. Press 0 at the next prompt.
Smith Barney Benefitaccess888-822-6067Press 0.
Sonos, Inc.800-680-2345Press 1,1.
Sony Games800-345-7669Press 0 and hold through the recording and then the silence.
Sony800-222-7669Say "agent."
Southwest800-435-9792Direct to human. (may hold if busy time)
Sovereign Bank877-768-2265Do not say anything or push any buttons. Eventually a human comes on the line.
Sports Illustrated800-284-8800Press 0,0,0,0 (ignore "invalid entry" messages).
Sprint Broadband Direct888-996-0001Press 0 twice.
Sprint PCS866-273-2163Direct to human.
Sprint800-658-7564Direct to human.
Sprint866-818-1858Directly to human.
Staples800-333-3330Just wait through intro and you will be connected to a representative.
Stapleslocal store0
State Farm Bank877-734-2265Press 0
Stop & Shoplocal number0
SunCom800-786-7378Press 0 four to five times during or after opening message.
SunTrust800-786-8787Press # after each menu.
Symantec800-441-7234Working on the steps to get to a human - in the meantime, go to live-symantec.custhelp.com/ for live customer support
Symantec800-441-723400
Targetlocal store0 during greeting.
TD Waterhouse800-934-4448Press # after opening prompt, then do it again after prompt to be transferred to rep.
The Company Store800-285-36960
The Student Loan Corp. (Citibank)800-967-2400Choose option 5.
The Student Loan People888-250-6401Press 0 repeatedly.
TIAA-CREF800-842-2252Press 00 at each prompt.
Tiger Direct888-999-73000
Time Magazine866-731-5401Press 0,0,0,0 (ignore "invalid entry" messages).
TiVo877-367-8486Say "Live Agent"
T-Mobile877-606-4801Direct to human.
Toyota Financial Services800-874-8822Just stay on the line. Do not hit "1" for English or "0" for Spanish.
Toys "R" Uslocal store0
TracFone800-339-9345Direct to human.
TransUnion800-916-8800No cheat necessary; 2nd prompt offers human contact
Travelocity888-872-8356#,#,#,#,#,#,#,#,#,# (ignoring "I'm sorry I did not understand" messages)
T. Rowe Price800-225-5132Press 0 at each prompt.
T. Rowe Price800-922-9945Say 'Representative' at every opportunity
TV Guide800-866-1400Say "customer service" three times.
uBid.com866-946-8243Direct to human.
Union Pacific800-877-5123Press # sign during main menu options.
United Health Care866-844-4864000000,0,0
United800-864-8331When you hear "let's get started" say "Agent" ... then "Domestic" or "International" as appropriate.
UPS800-742-58770,0
USAA800-531-2265Say "representative" at every opportunity.
USAA800-531-6095000 then #; or # initially to dial the extension of a specific representative
US Airways800-428-43224, wait, 1
US Bank800-872-26570000
U.S. Cellular888-944-9400Press 0.
US Dept. of Education - Loans800-848-0979Say and do nothing at the prompt and you will be transfered to someone.
US Dept. of State - Passports877-487-2778Choose English, press 1, 3.
US Dept. of Transportation800-832-5660Press 000.
US Dept. of Veterans Affairs800-827-1000Press 1,0.
US Federal Trade Commission877-382-4357At each prompt, press 4, 5, 0.
US Homeland Security - FEMA800-621-FEMASelect language (1 for English), Don't choose any option, just hold for human; or press 00
US Homeland Security - INS800-375-5283Select language, then press 2, 6, 2, 4 at the prompts, press 0.
US Medicare800-633-4227Say "agent" or press 0.
US Postal Service800-275-8777Press 3 at each prompt. Press 2 at the next recording.
US Social Security Admin800-772-1213Press 00.
Verizon DSL800-567-6789Say "Agent" repeatedly.
Verizon Phone Repair800-275-2355Direct to human.
Verizon Wireless800-922-0204Press #00 or enter phone # then 0 then 4.
Virgin Mobile888-322-1122Say: "English", "More Options", "Ask a Question", "Live Advisor", "Something Else", then enter mobile # or say "I don't have one."
Visa800-847-2911000 (ignore prompts saying that it's an invalid entry)
Vonage Customer Care888-250-1799Direct to human.
Wachovia800-922-46840, 0
Walgreens Mail Order800-635-30700,00
Walgreenslocal store0 for a pharmacy employee
Wal Mart Credit Card866-888-38680
Wal-Mart800-925-62781 for directory
Walt Disney World407-824-4521Direct line to Magic Kingdom Guest Relations
Washington Mutual800-788-7000For all Washington Mutual numbers, press 0 at each prompt regardless of the message.
Wells Fargo800-869-35570,0,0 or when asked for account number say "I don't know"
Western Union Money Orders800-325-6000Don't enter anything; let menu run 3 times; eventually will be transferred to rep.
Western Union800-325-6000* then ##
Whirlpool800-253-1301Press 0,0,0,# (ignore prompt for telephone number).
XM Radio800-967-2346Press 0.
XM Radio800-998-7900Direct to human. No estimated wait time given if placed on hold.
Zone Labs, Inc.877-966-5221Press 2 for direct to human 24/7

The gethuman.com website and content are Copyright 2006 by Paul M. English. Reprinted with permission. See http://gethuman.com for latest updates.
Last updated on: May 02, 2008

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