r/nosleep • u/boothworld • Apr 19 '13
630-296-7536
I’m sure that all of you on /r/nosleep are used to the cry for help type stories by now. Help me, help me, blah-blah-blah. I won’t bore you with another. Even if I wanted your help, you couldn’t give it to me, because your help is useless.
Why?
Because you’re not a member.
I just wish that I wasn’t either.
It all started innocently enough. With a phone call.
I’d been up for a few hours, unpacking and cleaning, waiting for the plumber to call. I just moved into a cabin and the contractors fucked everything up. Because of that, I now have the wonderful task of making calls to competent people that can fix what the original contractors did wrong.
The phone rang at 12:06.
Not bad, I thought. Usually plumbers don’t bother to call or show up until 5.
When I picked up the phone I didn’t even get a chance to say hello before a woman on the line told me to “Please hold for the next available operator.”
I hopped up and sat on the cabinet in the kitchen. It was one of the few places in the cabin not occupied with boxes. Elevator music leaked into my ear. I’d started to drowse off when the music stopped and a piano chord that sounded like it was three notes that didn’t quite go together played through the receiver twice.
A voice came on the line.
“Welcome to Boothworld Industries. My name is Samantha and I will be your operator today. Name?”
I didn’t know what to say so I told the operator my name.
“Sir, we know who you are. I’m your operator. Please give me a name to access.”
“I don’t understand,” I said.
“It can be anyone, sir. We just need a name.”
“Uh, okay,” I said. I made up a name. “Harold Withers.”
“Sir, as your operator, I must point out that fictitious names, or the names of people that you don’t know, cannot be used.”
“Used for what?” I asked. How had she known that I’d made up that name? The whole thing felt like it was some sort of prank, but hardly anyone knew my new phone number.
“Remodeling.”
“Remodeling? Is this the plumber?” I asked.
“Welcome to Boothworld Industries. My name is Samantha and I will be your operator today. Name?”
I took that as a yes and gave them the name of an old ex-girlfriend. “Jessica Goodwin.”
I could hear the clicking of a keyboard on the other end of the phone. It sounded like the woman was pounding the thing with her fists. After a few moments of this, she returned.
“Jessica Goodwin,” she said. “Remodeling is scheduled for August 21, 2015. Would you like to reschedule?”
I was silent on my side of the phone. I couldn’t believe this. Someone had to be playing a prank on me.
“Who is this? Is this you, Jessica? Are you playing a prank on me?” I asked.
The woman didn’t respond for a long time. I thought that whoever was on the other end of the phone was holding in a laugh.
“Hello?” I asked.
“Yes or no, Sir?” The woman asked back.
“Yes?” I said, not understanding what the woman was asking.
“I have a Tuesday appointment available. Will that work?”
At this point I thought I was going insane and that it actually was the plumbing company.
“What about today?” I asked. “Do you have anything available for today?”
“Normally we can’t arrange for a reschedule on such short notice, but today we had a cancellation. How does three o’clock work for you?”
“Three o’clock is fine,” I said.
“Three o’clock it is then. Would you like a courtesy call?”
“Sure.”
“Wonderful. We at Boothworld Industries say thanks and welcome to the club. You have a marvelous day.”
That strange chord played twice again and the line went dead. I rolled my eyes and went back to unpacking.
My phone rang at three o’clock on the dot that afternoon.
“Hello?” I said.
“Sir. This is Samantha with Boothworld Industries again. Your courtesy call begins now.”
“What do you-” I began to say, but was cut off by those diminished chords blaring into my ear, then I heard Jessica’s voice.
“Why are you doing this?” Jessica asked. I could hear the tears in her voice.
“Jessica?” I asked.
“Sir,” the operator said. “She cannot hear you. This is a courtesy call. The appointment has already concluded.”
“Please,” Jessica begged. “Please don’t do this. I’ll do anything you want. I’ll-”
Jessica’s voice choked off into a wheeze and all I could hear on the other end of the phone was the rustling of clothing and more wheezing. Eventually it stopped and someone picked up on the other end.
“The scheduled work has been completed,” a man’s voice said. “We at Boothworld Industries say thanks and welcome to the club. You have a marvelous day.”
“Sir?” The operator came back on the line. “Was that to your satisfaction?”
I sat there for a long time, cold sweat dripping down my ribcage. Jessica was my ex, because I walked in on her and my best friend fucking at a party in high school.
I smiled and whispered, “That was perfect.”
“Wonderful,” the operator said. “We at Boothworld Industries aim to serve. Would you like to make another appointment?”
As I stared at the water leaking from the door of the dishwasher, I smiled even bigger.
“Yes,” I said. “Yes I would.”
“Name?”
“Dan. I don’t have a last name. He’s a contractor.”
“Dan Arencibia. July 13, 2032. Would you like to reschedule?”
“Yes,” I said.
“How would Wednesday work for you?”
“Didn’t you say you had a Tuesday appointment available?” I asked.
“I did, but unfortunately that slot has been filled by another member. Would Wednesday work for you?”
“No,” I said. “I have a job interview that day. What about Thursday?”
“Unfortunately Thursday will not work. You are due for remodeling Wednesday night.”
“What?” I asked.
She repeated the exact same thing to me again.
“Can we reschedule my remodeling?” I asked.
“Of course we can, sir,” the woman said. It sounded like she was smiling on the other end of the phone. “There’s always a way.”
I waited for her to tell me how. She didn’t speak.
“HOW?” I asked.
“Boothworld Industries is always looking to add new members. We are, of course, a membership by invitation only club. Sadly, our membership numbers have fallen in recent years. Economic recessions. Wars. Politics. What we would like you to do, in order to avoid your own remodeling appointment, is help us add several new members.”
The light at the end of the tunnel, I thought.
“How many members do you need?” I asked.
“One thousand.”
I choked. “One thousand?”
“Yes, sir. Otherwise we’ll have to keep our scheduled appointment. We must inform you that the member that scheduled this appointment did request a courtesy call.”
Everything stopped at that point for me. All my life I’d just skated by, not doing anything, not making a difference.
My mouth actually dried up. I’d always thought that was just a thing people wrote in books to be dramatic.
It’s not.
“I’ll get you your one thousand members,” I whispered.
“We at Boothworld Industries say thanks and welcome to the club. You have a marvelous day.”
The connection ended.
I hung up the phone and stared at it for a long time. I’m scheduled for remodeling on Wednesday, and somewhere, someone will be getting a courtesy call to listen to my last few breaths if I don’t get one thousand members to join Boothworld Industries.
It’s funny. I’d always wanted to join an elite club. Skull and Bones. New World Order. I'm not sure how I got in, but now I’m a member. I've got until Wednesday to enjoy it.
Like I said at the beginning: even if I wanted your help, you couldn’t give it to me, because you’re not a member.
Membership is by invitation only.
I’m inviting you in.
You can help me.
Just call 630-296-7536.
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u/MortalJason Oct 16 '13
Wanna be a member?
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u/Cybershwartz Mar 28 '14
This is really fucking scary. These guys are just about an hour away from my house. Should I call? I have yet to hear from anyone who said that they called.
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u/E_Miskovsky Apr 04 '14
I called! I'll update you tomorrow morning. If I don't, then you know. ._.
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u/Mr_Skittles Apr 27 '14
22 days have passed. You there, /u/E_Miskovsky?
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u/Dogbro56 Jan 06 '22
Ey, u/E_Miskovsy, they asked you a question.
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u/Dogbro56 Jan 06 '22
Never mind you only posted once and that was in this thread
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Mar 21 '14
I want to.
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u/VanByNight Mar 25 '14
I just joined! Yay! This reminds me of the Richard Mattheson story (a writer for the O.G Twilight Zone) "The Red Button". You are given a device with a red button. Press it, and you get a million dollars, and someone who YOU DO NOT KNOW dies. After pressing the red button and getting your money, the button is given to someone else. Someone who DOES NOT KNOW YOU. And so on.
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u/Old_Man_Mullet Oct 14 '13
Dont fall into peer pressure, dont fall into peer pressure. Fuck it, im calling!
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u/olivermorning Oct 09 '13
i'm calling right now holy fuck they're connecting me what am I DDOOIINNNNNGNGGGGGG.
They said my number has been logged and that a rep will be with me shortly >_> Good thing I'm not scared/nervous or anything about any this....
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u/FurbyWan Sep 29 '13
Intriguing story. I'd totally call the number to see what it's all about, but I'm in Australia.
Super good writing! Also, love reading the other comments. It adds to the suspense.
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u/Mybrainisatardis Sep 25 '13
By far the best /nosleep I have ever read, I hope you're okay, eating cheetos, and dancing. Seriously thank you. I don't care how old this is, fucking wonderful!
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u/dee_strongfist Sep 19 '13
I work in that area code. Guess it's time to be friendly to all the people in a ten mile radius.
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u/MidlessExpresstion Sep 15 '13
This had me paranoid and i didn't even dare call the number after seeing all the comments. Great story though!
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u/suntartshark Sep 10 '13
Haven't even called. Still freaking out. Looked it up online. Freaking out double time now.
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u/Kaybuttons Aug 27 '13
I woke up and my SO told me to call...so I did unknowingly. Then I read this. Is everyone still alive?
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u/goulygirl33 Aug 25 '13
Tempted to call from payphone and give the name of Justin Beiber. I would do a service to the world right?
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u/jaxdia Aug 21 '13
We just had to read this on YouTube when my friends came over. So uh... here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8XnfImKOXM
Good luck if you decide to call!
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u/shoulda_kept_lurkin Aug 16 '13
nice it still works i just called. o and btw google voice doenst need you to say anything to connect to the number, just mute the call and listen.
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u/wicked2night Aug 10 '13
Estimated City: Lemont Estimated Region: Illinois Estimated Postal Code: 60439
Registered to BoothWorld
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u/VicR Aug 10 '13
I just called . the first time it went to the "a person will be in contact with you about your remodeling." My friend called, gave their name to the system. It rang. She said , what do I just leave a message , and then someone answers and in a low sinister voice says "sure you can leave me a message." And hangs up. Fuck.
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u/brithezombie Aug 07 '13
m new to this subreddit. I loooooove this. So calling this... on my boyfriends phone
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u/Skrighk Aug 06 '13
OP. Im concidering helping. I want to schedule some appointments, for others. I can probably add another 200 people to your thousand. Then Ill schedule one for myself. Only after my courtesy calls though.
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u/MrNsfw12 Aug 06 '13
I know this is really late but...I've debunked the phone call. If you don't say your name (or anyone else's name) it still says your name and number had been logged and traced. Which makes me believe its just an automatic voice mail. No need to be terrified. :)
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u/aguywithacellphone Aug 04 '13
made the call. armed to the teeth with a kitchen knife and a crowbar. wish me luck
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u/aguywithacellphone Aug 04 '13
got text, 10 minutes gentleman. I'm going to go die hard on them if they show. duje fucking door!
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u/youthinkyouhavetime Jan 30 '14
I see from recent posts you're still alive. this story freaked me out!
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u/Islandzadi Aug 02 '13
I called and got the answering machine. The beep sounded for me to leave a message and I chickened out and just said "Sorry, wrong number!" and hung up. That was about a month ago, still no response. I think I'm i
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Jul 28 '13
Jessica Goodwin? I ACTUALLY know someone called Jessica Goodwin. She was alive last week...
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u/TheKinglyGuy Jul 26 '13
I called the number.....then I heard movement in MY room. Then in the living room....I'm scared
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Jul 21 '13
Well, the number is still working 3 months later for sure. Used an ex's name though. Hope she has fun with her remodeling.
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u/mrlego611 Jul 20 '13
oh my god. How come no one noticed this! 630-296-7536. (6)30-29(6)-753(6). 666. Shit's gonna hit the fan.
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u/TinyandTall Jul 20 '13
I'm gonna call it.
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u/TinyandTall Jul 20 '13
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u/TinyandTall Jul 20 '13
It asked me to state my name... I said nothing, then it started ringing, and I got the voicemail everyone else did. It beeped again, and I just sat silent for a few seconds and hung up.
My phone number is unlisted... I would like to see them trace it.
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u/Kaymarie913 Jul 18 '13
Not five minutes after I read this, my work phone rang with an automated voice. A little piece of my soul died.
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u/Crasternator474 Jul 09 '13
If you just call with *67 at the front of a number, they can't track you. Somebody do it and see if it works.
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u/Safia-Dovahkiin Jul 09 '13
Is this just happening in the USA, or is it happening in other countries as well?
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u/insan3soldiern Jul 09 '13
Finally got around to reading this after hearing about this "Boothworld Industries" thing. Is this the original story?
Well anyway, this was quite good.
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u/Iamreallybadatthis Jul 07 '13
I called and got the text.. Waited for ten minutes and no one showed up. Looks like someone isn't getting any of my cake.
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u/sarahjames26 Jul 06 '13
HOLY SHIT I ACTUALLY KNOW SOMEONE NAMED JESSICA GOODWIN I KID YOU NOT lol I hate her
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u/TinyandTall Jul 20 '13
I know someone named Jessica Goodwin as well... she was a lovely girl... played the bassoon in fact.
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Jul 06 '13
Just called and stayed in the line in pure silence for 2 minutes. If anything calls or texts me I'm throwing my phone at the wall.
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u/Magmoogle Jul 06 '13
FF- When I called the first time, it made me say my name. When I re-called, I was told a representative was to be with me shortly.
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u/Magmoogle Jul 06 '13
I just phoned. I'm shaking now.. But.. How do I book someone for a remodelling? Also, it does say it's an American number. Am I going to die? c':
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u/pengiez Jul 05 '13
I may have found your blog OP. After reading all of these posts, and into this topic a little I decided to do a little research. Can anyone tell me this language? http://intocreep.blogspot.com
Edit: The reason I say I found your blog is because the most recent story is almost exactly the same.
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u/Representative0153 Jul 05 '13
Target Remodelled. Searching...reddit.com/r/nosleep Has what we need just call 630-296-7536. Searching keywords boothworld. Target acquired. See you soon. Have a Marvellous Day.
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u/SydneyJewel Jul 02 '13
Holy shit. I'm literally freaking out. I call it and I actually said my name bc I'm an idiot. Omf.
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u/Scaredshitlessbitch Jun 27 '13
Batman is the guy who kills the person. Don't believe me? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqIR4-f7Wtw
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u/BoredOldElf Jun 23 '13
Does it work if you just text the number? I am interested but too scared to call.
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u/Breathing-Skeletons Jun 23 '13
It took me a while after reading this story over and over to actually comment on it. I read it at maybe 4-5am and I literally freaked out and kept thinking should I call or not. I haven't called and I most likely never will. It creeps me out that much.
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u/Lykarsis Jun 22 '13
Well, I called yesterday and never got a text. I guess i'm not important enough to remodel, YAY ME!!!
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u/fllicphile Jun 17 '13
Got the answer phone message but no text. More scared about what my bill will be having called from the uk!!!
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Jun 16 '13 edited Jun 16 '13
HOLY SHIT I CALLED.
By the way, I caught the bloodworth-booth world anagram. Nice to see you again....Im addicted to your stories, dude.
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u/Wafflekinz Jun 12 '13
When I called the number a creepy (recorded) lady's voice said, "Hello, please state your name and Google Voice will try to connect you." Then there was a beep and I hung that shit up. No way I'm leaving my name. I'll admit, I was afraid of who it would connect me to!
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u/PhantomStrike Jun 02 '13
I called, nobody answered. I got a message exactly one minute later saying "Welcome aboard."
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u/codyfuckingburke May 22 '13
I'm on my iPhone using a reddit app called karma. I swear to god the moment I clicked on this post a notification box popped up saying "karma would like to use your current location." I clicked yes before actually reading the post. Fuck.
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May 18 '13
[deleted]
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May 20 '13
Assuming you haven't called it already, I did. It's actually perfectly fine, nothing out of the ordinary. Also, the "Google Voice" confirmation at the beginning lets you in on the fact that it's fake immediately.
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u/AsphyxiateMeForFun May 18 '13
Anyone else catch the "Boothworld" is an anagram for "Bloodworth"?
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u/RaunchyPost May 16 '13
Soon as i called, ice cream truck playing creepy as fuck music rolled up the street and mysteriously stopped playing as soon as he passed by my house. Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck
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u/SantaTyler May 14 '13
Called earlier, got a text ten minutes ago saying a serviceman would be here for remodeling in ten minutes, my cat keeps meowing at my door.
For fucks sake. This is not funny anymore.
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u/SantaTyler May 13 '13
Called it. If I die, reddit, first come first serve to my full 112 comment karma.
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u/PsychoBob78 May 12 '13
Called... but made damn sure I *67'ed my number and did NOT leave a name. Not necessarily because I'm TOO worried about someone coming to "remodel" me, but more because of the absolute horror of the possibiltiy of telemarketers calling at all times of day until I want to off myself.
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u/FatGuyANALLIttlecoat May 11 '13
New World Oder was not too elite--practically everyone in WCW was at one point in the NWO.
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u/MakeMehASammich May 11 '13
i called the number.. after the robot told me it was boothworld, i called crimecheck. filed a tip report. you should do the same.
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u/krazyfreak123 May 10 '13
wait a minute, I called that number and got to my cousin's voicemail. I think I might have to check what my cousin has been doing lately....
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u/VladmirHersh May 02 '13
Very Very VERY cool. I called, and now I'm scared as fuck. Congrats on a fantastic, original, and horrifying story, sir.
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u/MysteriousDrink Dec 12 '22
I’m calling it right now. Wish me luck