Stopping Unwanted Sales Calls
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-10-07 00:00:00-04:00
Tired of getting telemarketing calls? You are not the only one! Want to do something about them? You have several options to let telemarketers know you don’t want to be bothered. And various ways to complain if those calls keep coming.
One Call to Stop (Almost) All
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Do Not Call Registry allows consumers to choose if they want to receive calls from telemarketers. As of April 2007 more than 132 million phone numbers have been registered. If you have yet to register, you can do it online or by phone:
- Online: You need an e-mail address, and you may have to provide some personal information to confirm your registration. Nationwide registration is free at www.donotcall.gov .
- By phone: You can call toll-free 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). You must call from the phone number you wish to register.
Calls in Your State
Many states have their own do-not-call laws. State laws can be stronger—but not weaker—than the federal law. While the specifics vary, all state laws require telemarketers to stop calling residents who have signed on with the state program. Most states share their lists with the national registry, so you only have to sign up once. In other states, you need to sign up for both the state list and the national registry. Check the FTC’s Website for information on your state’s law.
Saying “Don’t Call” One-by-One
Even though you may have registered nationally or in your state, some organizations are exempt from the registry:
- charities,
- telephone surveyors,
- political campaigns, and
- companies with whom you have done business in the last 18 months or have given permission to call.
Beware: some callers claim they are charities or surveyors, but aren’t.
You can avoid future calls from these businesses or charities by saying “Put my phone number on your do-not-call list.” Write down the name of the company and the date that you asked to be put on its no-call list. The caller cannot call you back for ten years. All companies, including charities and business you have dealt with, have do not call lists.
What to Do If You Still Get Calls
You thought you did everything you were supposed to in order to put a stop to those annoying dinnertime calls. But you are still getting calls. While 90% of those who have signed up for the National Registry report a significant reduction in calls, the remaining 10% of you still get calls you don’t want.
- Take notes on each caller you believe has violated the do-not-call laws, including the name and phone number of the organization that called, and the date and time they called.
- Tell the caller you are on the National Registry.
Almost 428,000 possible violations were reported to the FTC in the first year of the registry. It is important to let the FTC know if you receive a call that you believe should not have been placed. There are consequences in place for organizations that violate do not call laws. For example, if you make a direct request to an organization to place you on their ‘do not call’ list and they still call you, the FTC can fine them up to $11,000.
Your registration is good for five years. You can verify that your phone number is still listed by going to the FTC Web site.
How to File a Complaint
If you have been signed up for the National Registry list for at least three months, you can file a complaint with the FTC or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
You may file your complaint online, by email, or by phone. You will need to give:
- your phone number
- the name or phone number of the company that called
- the date of the call
- FTC Online: www.donotcall.gov
- FTC Phone: 1-888-382-1222
- FTC TTY: 1-866-290-4236
- FCC Email: donotcall@fcc.gov
- FCC Phone: 1-888-225-5322
- FCC TTY: 1-888-835-5322
Even If You’re Not Registered
Even if you are not on a state or National Registry, you can still complain to the FTC if:
- The call comes before 8am or after 9pm.
- The telemarketer leaves a message but does not leave a phone number that you can call to get on that company’s do not call list.
- The call is from an organization you have told not to call you.
- The firm does not identify itself.
- You get a pre-recorded message from a company you don’t do business with and you haven’t given permission to call you.
Cell Phones
Don’t believe the rumors that are flying around the Internet that your cell phone number is about to be released to telemarketers and you’ll be deluged with costly telemarketing calls if you don’t sign up for Do Not Call. You can sign up your cell phone number on the National Registry. That part of the rumor is true. However, rules are already in place that prevent telemarketers from using automatic telephone dialing systems to call cell numbers.
AARP's Role
AARP believes that people have a right to privacy in their homes, including a right to be free from unwanted telemarketing calls. We worked closely with the FTC in the development and implementation of the National Do Not Call Registry. We also worked with governors, legislators, and attorneys general in more than half the states to help pass state do not call laws. In addition, AARP attorneys engage in litigation to protect consumers from fraudulent and deceptive telemarketing practices.
AARP Resources
AARP on Scams
A listing of AARP’s articles about fraud and consumer scams.
Reduce Mail, E-mail and Faxes
Whether it’s snail mail or email, there are ways to un-litter your mailbox.
Additional Resources
Federal Trade Commission
Get the latest on what the FTC is doing to stop unwanted calls.
Federal Communications Commission
For all the details on “do not call,” unsolicited faxes, and other telephone issues.
Federal Communications Commission
The FCC’s consumer advisory on the telemarketing to cell phones misinformation.
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