This advice is especially for our friends in India: You may not realize it, but you speak with a recognizable Indian accent. It is therefore a bad mistake to begin the conversation by saying, “Hi, my name is Sean,” or “Bill,” or “Charlie,” or whatever other supposedly American name your supervisor has assigned you for the day. It begins the call with an obvious lie, and your victim expects lies from then on. Every American has met Indian immigrants in America: begin by saying “My name is Sanjay,” or some other name that Americans regard as stereotypically Indian, and you will get off on the right foot. Following this advice will increase your bilking rate considerably; and your supervisor, pleased with the revenue you generate, may raise your salary, or sell you back your firstborn at a reduced rate.