How to Stop Annoying Automated Telephone Calls

Telemarketing is not new. In fact, in my youth I used to have great fun playing pranks on telemarketers when they called. Telemarketing has taken a disturbing turn now that the people calling have been replaced with automatic recorded messages, robots (or what sounds like them), or most irritating, a recorded voice or robot voice requesting us to "hold for an important message." Is there any relief from annoying telemarketing calls? Yes.

Add your phone numbers to do-not-call lists

I put my cell phone on the national do-not-call list a few years ago to stop unwanted calls. Now the number will stay in the registry permanently rather than expiring every five years. Go here to register your telephone numbers - it's a free service. You cannot register business phone numbers and calls from political organizations, telephone surveys, charities, and companies you've done business with (even an inquiry phone call counts) are not subject to the do-not-call list constraints.

I'm also on my state's do-not-call list, which protects me from telemarketers operating out of Texas. See if your state offers a do-not-call registry here.

Thinking I was protected, imagine my surprise when I began receiving telemarketing calls (messages really) about economic recovery packages and available money - on my cell phone - and it's not even a person calling, it's a recorded message.

Know that contacting cell phones is illegal

Since I was getting these calls on my cell phone, I was thrilled to find that the type of telemarketing call I was receiving on my cell phone is illegal. The FCC rules state, "Except for emergency calls or calls made with the prior express consent of the person being called, auto dialers, and any artificial or prerecorded voice messages may not be used to contact numbers assigned to:

a. any emergency telephone line;
b. the telephone line of any guest or patient room at a hospital, health care facility, home for the elderly, or similar establishment;
c. a paging service, wireless phone service (including both voice calls and text messages), or other commercial mobile radio service; or
d. any other service for which the person being called would be charged for the call." ¹

Great, it's illegal. How to stop the calls?

Call the number that called you

When I received the first call, I checked my Caller ID and nervously called the number. To my delight, a recorded message told me I would be able to put my phone on their do-not-call list. With a bit of distrust, I followed the prompts and did so. Luckily I did not start receiving a constant barrage of telemarketing calls.

I received similar calls from different numbers. I called each one and put my number on their do-not-call list. It can be tiresome to take this one-number-at-a-time approach, but after I handled about five phone numbers, the calls stopped coming.

I don't like it that I have to use my time to take care of their interruption since their type of telemarketing call is illegal, but hey, it works.

Google the number

To find out more about the telephone number calling you, type the number into the Google search box. You'll likely get a hit and comments from other people who have received telemarketing calls from the number. This information can help you track down the company in question and give you information if you decide to file a complaint with the FCC or a lawsuit in your state.

Learn about applicable laws

The FCC's easy to understand laws about telemarketing calls are here.

Complain

If you are offended to the point of wanting to complain - good for you! For telemarketing calls or automated messages, you'll need to complete a Media (General) Complaint form. Start here to answer two quick questions. Your answers will steer you toward the correct form. You'll be able to see other types of complaints you can file including complaints about unwanted faxes.
Sue

You can sue the companies that contact you via unwanted telemarketing calls. Some states allow you to file a lawsuit where you may receive damages. You can do this in addition to filing a complaint with the FCC. You can also contact your state's Attorney General to encourage a civil lawsuit brought by the state.²

We do have some power over telemarketers who will follow the laws. Sadly, the scammers, who don't respect the laws, or anything else for that matter, may still call.

I hope this helps eliminate one frustration from your life.

Sources:

(1) http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/howtoblocktelemarketers.php
(2) http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/tcpa.html