Telemarketers: How to Get Rid of Them!

That's right! Don't simply hang up. You think you're beating them by hanging up, but what you are doing is giving them the opportunity to call you again later.

I know...I am a telemarketer. (And no, I don't like it. But it is a job).

Let's first understand...the Do Not Call Registry does work. The problem is it is limited. It can only stop "new" TM's from calling you. If you are already on a companies call list as a subscriber, a customer, or even an untested party, the TM will be calling you.

Anytime you give out your phone number to a company (to get credit, get a home loan/refi, apply to an online store, etc) you are giving that company the ability to add you name to their call base.They will call you with offers that will closely pertain to your original request (loan, mortgage, etc) unless and until you tell them otherwise.

The place you gave your information to originally may not have given out your info, but some interested third party has gotten it and will begin to pursue you as a potential customer.

So, how do you stop these annoying calls. Follow these steps below and it should help ease the stress of answering your phone.

(Remember: If you are in debt to a company, bank etc., they have the right to call until you have settled your debt with them. The only way to stop their calls (short of changing your number) is to pay off your bills).

When you receive a call from a TM (telemarketer), here are some things you should do to stop receiving future calls:

1. Find out what companies they represent.
Telemarketing companies contract with other companies to sell various products, so the people who call you are really calling on behalf of other parties. Get all the information you can.

2. Get the TSR's name and rep number. Also take down date and time of call. (If they refuse, ask to speak to
a supervisor/manager to get this info).
(They may tell you, that they will place you on the DNC list and it may take up to 30 days for the process to be complete. This is most likely true, but if you receive a call from this company again in 30+ days, you will have the necessary info to further pursue action against the company).

3. Again, do not hang up. When you do this, a TSR will click on the option of either "End Call", "Hang Up", "Call Back" or "Not Untested". In any of these cases, all the TSR is telling the computer that automatically dials your number (the TSR has no control as to what # to call - it comes from headquarters and just drops on their screen to speak with Mr/Mrs___) to reschedule a callback for you anywhere from 6 hours later to a few weeks later.

If you recognize this as being a TM call, refer to steps 1 and 2.

Recognize also, many TM companies call representing one company with various products to offer, hence, you may receive 4-5 calls in one week from same place, but with slightly different offers. If they have said they will place you on DNC list, they probably have, but because they have different programs going on simultaneously, they can only do it for that program.

So what do you do then? Be patient.

Allow them to phone you with each (making sure you get TSR info each time with day/date/time). Find out how many programs they offer, keep a track of each and once you have them all, allow up to 30-45 days to stop receiving calls.

I know it sounds infuriating, frustrating and a huge intrusion upon you and your valuable time, but if you want to be rid of them (us), this will be your best bet.

I know this may put me, and many, many others out of work, but I'd rather be out of my job, then out of my mind.

By the way...anybody got any ideas where I can get a job...you know, just in case.

Thank you and have a nice day!