Knock-Knock...

I have lately been receiving an increasing number of calls where as soon as I pick up I hear: "Am I speaking with Nicola?"

The first few times, I responded without even questioning it: "Yes, speaking". But at the 10th call, something started clicking in my head; isn't odd to start a conversation with someone you call by asking "who are you?". Like, imagine knocking on someone’s front door and, the second they open it, asking: "Is this your house?" You’re the one who rang the bell; you should probably start by explaining why you’re on my porch (or calling me in this case).

I am not sure if this is a matter of privacy, maybe they can't say what they want to say until I confirm it's me? Like, imagine calling someone and going "Hi, this is the clinic for XYZ, we are calling for you upcoming appointment Nicola" and the other side of the phone goes "I am not Nicola, but glad to know Nicola is being taken care off". Or maybe it's a telemarketing technique, like "once someone tells you their name, they are less likely to hang up on you" kind of a thing.

I am not sure, I have not investigated it much...but it's annoying .