my bank just lost major karma points

[truepenny]

*ring*
*ring*
*ring*

Me: [having checked Caller ID, and thus knowing that this is XYZZY Bank] Hello?

[pause]

Automated Voice: Please hold the line for an important incoming call.

[pause: I fret about my bank balance and a whole horde of unlikely but not impossible disasters]

Automated Voice: Please continue to hold. I'm still trying to connect.

[pause: I continue to fret]

Automated Voice: Please continue to hold. I'm still trying to connect.

[pause: I continue to fret]

Automated Voice: Please continue to hold. I'm still trying to connect.

[pause: I continue to fret]

Automated Voice: Please continue to hold. I'm still trying to connect.

[pause: I continue to fret]

Real Person: Hello, may I speak to Sarah?

Me: Speaking.

Real Person: Hi, this is X from XYZZY Bank. How are you today?

Me: Fine.

Real Person: This is a courtesy call to let you know about our spring loan promotion.

Me: No, thank you, we're not interested.

Real Person: Oh. Well, thank you for your time and have a nice day.

Me: You, too.

*click*

Now, I have no actual problem with the Real Person in this little playlet. He was polite, and didn't give me grief about cutting him off before he got his spiel launched. (He actually sounded all of about a nervous sixteen.)

I have a SERIOUS problem with the Automated Voice because that fucker was lying to me. This was not an important call. Moreover, I am deeply and profoundly annoyed by the tactic of making me answer the phone and then wait on hold for a call I don't even want. I would be annoyed if it was somebody "important" pulling this stunt (like, oh, say the president of XYZZY Bank); for a unsolicited telemarketing call ...

I balrog.