I just learned this from listening to NPR, which is still thriving despite efforts to wipe it out:
The bots try to interrogate you and refuse to connect you to someone who can actually help you/answer your questions. You know what happens if you try to get around them. You wind up screaming "TALK TO A HUMAN" or "REP-RE-SENT-A-TIVE" and find out that all that does is make the bot ask you for the sixth time why you're calling.
Turns out that the way to evade Rio Rita et al is to pick a nonsense word--one that couldn't possibly have anything to do with why you're calling --and repeat it over and over in a dull monotone. This will confuse the bot and make it transfer you to a live human.
The researcher interviewed recommended "Banana banana banana." Repeat until connected.
Possibly the most valuable piece of info I've learned so far this year!
