Ok, I've done a lot of these. Hear me out- they are not for everyone. I remove myself from any emotional feeling, and it's like acting.
I don't use a loved one's real name most of the time. I use the name Ann a lot, there are no Anns in my family. I also use a fake last name so I feel more like I'm using an alias.
I realize it's quality control. If i needed to make that call, personally, I would want great service. By providing a test call, the company can see what goes on during a call. I've gotten some great directors, and some that I would have run away from screaming because of poor customer service.
It costs me nothing more than some time. It is frustrating to give out my phone number to see if they call back. They only call once though. It's also very frustrating when you can't get a funeral director on the phone. You have to dodge a phone call, then call back using a voicezilla (sp?)#. That doesn't really happen too often.
Most calls take just minutes, and no narrative! Just have to get their name, and they provide it right away.
I made $100 in one month doing these. I'm out of rotation for quite a few, but if you can not think of them as "creepy", they are well worth your time. They are usually nice people on the other end of the phone, just wanting to give you information and support.
The MSC that does these is very nice to work with, with supportive schedulers.