Telemarketing Calls
Adapted from Federal Trade Commissions
Are You Getting Telemarketing Calls You Don’t Want?
Here’s How to Stop Them.
1 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched the National Do Not Call Registry to give Americans a choice about getting telemarketing calls at home. According to a recent Harris Interactive poll, 92 percent of people who reported placing a number on the registry said they are receiving fewer calls; a total of 78 percent said they’re getting ‘far fewer calls’ or none at all. If you think you put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and you’re still getting telemarketing sales calls, the Federal Trade Commission recommends that you:
2 * Check to see that your number is on the registry. You can verify that your number is on the registry two ways: online at DONOTCALL.GOV (click on ‘Verify A Registration’), or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to verify. Follow the prompts.
3 *You also can add your number to the registry using the same Web site or phone number (call from the number you want to register). If you register online, you will receive an email from donotcall.gov as part of the confirmation process. You will need to click on the link in this email within 72 hours after you receive it. If you don’t click on the link in the email, the number you tried to register will not be added to the registry, and telemarketers may continue to call.
4 * Understand that some calls are not covered. Once your number has been on the registry for 31 days, most telemarketing calls will stop. However, you still may get: calls from — or on behalf of — political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors; calls from companies with whom you have an existing business relationship. A company may call you for 18 months after you make a purchase or three months after you submit an inquiry or application; calls from companies you’ve given permission to call.
5 File a complaint. If your number has been on the registry for at least 31 days, and a telemarketer calls, complain to the FTC. Visit DONOTCALL.GOV or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). You’ll need to provide the date of the call and the phone number or name of the company that called you. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free,
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has created the National Do Not Call Registry to give individuals the option to stop receiving unwanted telemarketing calls. The registry has proven to be effective, with 78 percent of people reporting that they are now receiving far fewer or no telemarketing calls after placing their number on the registry. If you believe you have registered your number but are still receiving telemarketing calls, the FTC suggests the following steps:
1. Verify your registration: You can check whether your number is on the registry by visiting DONOTCALL.GOV and clicking on "Verify A Registration," or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you want to verify. Follow the prompts provided.
2. Register your number: If your number is not on the registry, you can add it by using the same website or phone number mentioned above. If you choose to register online, you will receive a confirmation email from donotcall.gov. It is crucial to click on the link within this email within 72 hours to complete the registration. Failure to do so may result in telemarketers continuing to call you.
3. Understand exemptions: While most telemarketing calls should cease after your number has been on the registry for 31 days, some calls are not covered. These include calls from political organizations, charities, telephone surveyors, companies with whom you have an existing business relationship (for a limited time), and companies you have given permission to contact you.
4. File a complaint: If you have been on the registry for at least 31 days and a telemarketer continues to call you, you can file a complaint with the FTC. Visit DONOTCALL.GOV or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) to report the call. Make sure to provide the date of the call and the phone number or company name of the telemarketer. For additional consumer information or to file a complaint, you can visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.
By following these steps, you can effectively reduce or eliminate unwanted telemarketing calls and take control of the calls you receive at home.