to get annoyed about this automated cold caller?

[PurpleTinsel]

For the past few weeks, I've been coming home to messages on the answering machine from an obviously automated voice saying "This is random company. If you are John Smith (I've changed the name here), press 1 now. If you are not John Smith, press 2 now" etc.

We are not John Smith. We do not know anyone called John Smith. I don't think we even know anyone with this first name or surname, come to think of it.
This random company - who google tells me is a debt collection agency who do work for HRMC - have the wrong number.

I got another of these calls today, when I was in. So pressed 2, as I am not John Smith. It then said "Can you bring John Smith to the phone? Press 1 for yes, 2 for no". So pressed 2, as John Smith does not live here. It then said "Please tell John Smith to call random company on this number in these office hours". Why isn't there an automated question about whether they've got the right bloody phone number?

AIBU to think that this company should use real people to make their phone calls? At least occasionally? Because then when they rang today I'd have been able to tell them that they have got the wrong number and are wasting their time calling us!

[HECTheHallsWithRowsAndFolly]

what about if next time you press 1 to say you are, and then hopefully a human being will come on the line and you can explain?

[AllSnowballsAndNoKnickers]

Or phone their office during working hours - explain the situation and then tell them you'll be invoicing them monthly for every single further call you receive as it is wasting your time and taking you away from your life and work.

[PurpleTinsel]

I probably should have done that, HEC.

They normally call when I'm out, so this has been the first time I've had the the chance to press 1 or 2. Although the automated message's assumption that they must be dialling the correct number is still irritating me.

[PurpleTinsel]

AllSnowballsAndNoKnickers - I've been finding the thought of calling them up a little bit daunting when I've only only got John Smith's name and the fact they think he's got our phone number.

I find complicated telephone conversations with people I don't know very stressful. It'd be less stressful if they'd rang me, because then at least they'd already have John Smth's details up, IYSWIM.

But I may have to do that if I keep being out when they call.

[Arthurfowlersallotment]

I had similar, OP, also for a previous occupant. I pressed one, spoke to a member of the collections team and have not had a call since. They'll just keep calling otherwise.