How to Get Rid of a Telemarketing or Unwanted Phone Call Nicely and Quickly

Many people consider telemarketers to be annoying.

If you're tired of constantly being bombarded by telemarketers telling you that you've "won" something or trying to sell you a product or service that you don't want, options are available to get the person off the phone. Telemarketers are trying to make a living; they take a lot of abuse from people they call. Though they may be incredibly annoying, finding ways to either avoid telemarketers altogether or get them off the phone quickly and politely can save aggravation for you and the telemarketer.

Instructions

1. Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Telemarketers have 31 days to stop calling you after your phone number is on the list.

2. Ask the company calling you to put you on its do-not-call list. The company is legally responsible to stop calling you.

3. Thank the caller, then say you aren't interested in what is being offered. Hang up the phone.

4. Answer and then hang up the phone quickly without saying anything. This is a temporary solution; the company may call again in the future.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: TRC Consumer Alert
• National Do Not Call Registry: What You Should Know About the National Do Not Call Registry

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish