Quit Calling!

It is because the woman still think you could help her? Maybe because you sounds professional and knowledgeable, she feels secure talking to you? If this is the case, maybe you had to repeat that you can only give her the number and nothing else you could do for her, although you do hope you can solve her problems in order she is not calling again. :-) Or else, does she know English well? Or maybe she doesn't understand quite well?

Oh, I used to face such problems. I just count the number of times she has been calling, and then tell her this is the nnn time she has been calling, and I can only take message. I keep repeating the same lines to her every time she call, as if I am the answering machine. Who knows, she may be the one going nuts stop calling.

If you really can't help her, explain to her nicely and firmly that you really can't. Take down her name and contact details too - assure her that if someone comes along who can help her, you will get that person to call her back. Tell her there is no need for her to keep calling as you are just the receptionist and no one will be coming in for the rest of the day. Actually, I think what she needs most is a listening ear. If you are not too busy, why don't you ask her to tell you her problem? You might not be able to help, but at least, you can help let her vent her frustration. How's that for a good deed? ;-)