How to restrain telemarketers
You've got enough of those annoying telemarketing phone calls, haven't you? No matter what time is it, whatever you do they could call you wasting your precious free time. They interrupt your dinner, your reading of an interesting book, your favorite TV show, your work etc. You want to stop it, don't you? The good news is that you can do it by following few simple steps:
- First of all, no matter how angry you might be, you better answer the phone. Ignoring it doesn't work for they will call your number again and again. Keep in mind that telemarketers are ordinary people. This is their job and they are trying to earn some money for their living and families, so be polite but firm and avoid rude swearing.
- Pick up the phone when it rings and let the other person start talking. Telemarketers follow their script. You keep calm.
- After few seconds, interrupt and ask the person for his/her name and the company name they work for. Once the caller is identified they became more careful with their actions.
- Tell them that you are not interested in the stuff they are promoting and fire up the question: Did I ask you to call me? - it makes them understand that it is an unwanted call.
- Politely but firmly ask them: Please do me a favor. Delete / remove this number from all your lists and do not call this number again.
In June 2003, the FCC supplemented its original rules implementing the TCPA and together with the Federal Trade Commission established the national Do-Not-Call Registry.
You can register your home phone number or numbers on the national Do-Not-Call Registry by phone or online for free. To add a phone number to the national Do-Not-Call list via the Internet, go to www.donotcall.gov. To register by phone, call 1-888-382-1222. You must call from the phone number you wish to register. Telemarketers covered by the National Do-Not-Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date that you register your telephone number to remove it from their call lists and stop calling you.