How to Avoid Telemarketing Calls

Telemarketing intrusions have become such a topic of interest that measures have been put in place to avoid these unwanted sales calls. There are now numerous ways to deflect an otherwise unwanted dinner interruption.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Register with the national “Do Not Call” list. It is a free service that you need to use only once. You may register up to three phone numbers, including cell phones. Business-to-business calls and fax numbers may still receive telemarketing calls. Calls from political campaign offices and charities are exempt from the Do Not Call law.
2. If you’ve already registered with the Do Not Call list and it’s been at least 30 days and you are still receiving unwanted calls, you may file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
3. Add “Caller ID” to your telephone service. Telemarketers are prohibited from blocking their phone numbers so if you receive an unwanted telemarketing call, you’ll know where it originated from.
4. Use a voice mail system or answering machine and screen your calls before picking up. Most telemarketers will not leave messages on these devices.
5. If you order a new magazine subscription, make sure to tell them that you do not want your information shared with other companies. Most will automatically do this unless you request out of it and you will begin receiving unwanted mailings as well as unwanted sales calls.
6. Add your number to your state’s separate Do Not Call List. Statewide businesses are prohibited from contacting you if you are on this list. See below for the link.

Tips & Warnings

• For complaints, call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-866-290-4236.