Don't Call Me: Dealing with Telemarketers

Telemarketers make a living sitting at a computer with a headset on, attempting to sell various products and services to potential customers. Each time a sales representative is available to take a call, a computer that is connected to all the sales reps accesses a database of names and phone numbers and sends the information to the rep's computer which dials the number. Telemarketers have no control over which phone number is sent to them and they usually don't know what time it is in that person's location-so when they call you don't get mad, it's just part of their job.

Are You In Their Database

There are thousands of telemarketing companies around the world. They purchase lists of names, phone numbers, addresses, and other information from companies that have obtained the information through orders, registrations, etc. Sometimes the lists are old, thus, contain old information. It is also possible that some information was entered incorrectly-such as a wrong phone number. With either of these scenarios, it is common to encounter a call meant for someone else.

Keeping Your Name Off Their Lists

It can be very difficult to prevent the selling of your information. Usually the participating companies, especially online, will have in fine print, the right to sell your information. You can take a number of steps to prevent further spreading of your information:

1. Limit Online Activity - Avoid registering on numerous Web sites

2. Read The Fine Print - When registering for or ordering anything, scan their Privacy Policy to see if they claim any right to sell your information.

3. Get an Unlisted Phone Number - Contact your phone company and pay to have your number unlisted.

Getting Off Their Lists

The government created a wonderful program a few years ago that requires telemarketers to keep an updated list of phone numbers on what is called the National Do Not Call Registry. The program is managed and enforced by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).

By adding your number to the registry, you can significantly reduce the telemarketing calls received. You must allow 31 days for it to fully take affect as telemarketers are allowed that allotted amount of time to remove your number from their database. It does not cost anything to permanently add your number to this list.

The following steps explain how to add your number to the list:

1. Go to the National Do Not Call Registry Web site, www.donotcall.gov

2. You will then be presented with a form to add your home and cell phone numbers. You are only allowed to enter 3 at a time. Enter in the area code and phone number for each number you want protected.

3. Enter in your email address in the fields specified and click the Submit button.

4. The next page will ask you to double check the information you entered then click the Register button.
- -5. You will need to log into your email account and check for a message Register@donotcall.gov;Register@donotcall.govnote you will receive an email for each phone number submitted. Open the email and click on the link to complete the process. After you complete registration, your number will appear on the list by the next day. Whenever a telemarketer calls, instead of hanging, not answering, or yelling at them, you may request that you be taken off their lists and to not call you any more. Representatives have the ability to comply with your request; however, ensuring they comply is a matter not thoroughly enforced by telemarketing companies.

If a telemarketing company calls you after the 31 days, you may file a complaint. You will need to know the name or phone number of the company that called you, as well as the date of the call.

If you ever change your mind about your registration, you can call the toll-free number (1-888-382-1222) from the phone number you want removed. Once you do so, your number will be removed from the list by the next day and telemarketers are allowed to add it to their lists again, if they so choose. For more information about the program, http://www.donotcall.gov.