To minimize telemarketing calls, register for government “do not call” lists, use Caller ID, trick telemarketers by playing a disconnected message, and send a cease and desist notice.
Many people find telemarketing calls to home and cell phones annoying. While there is no ideal method to get rid of all telemarketing calls, there are some ways to minimize the frequency and number of these intrusions. Here are some strategies you can use to get rid of telemarketers and enjoy a little more peace and quiet.
First, make sure you’re registered on any government-sponsored “do not call” lists. The United States and several other countries have created this type of list. Registering your home and cell phone numbers with this list will effectively stop calls from any business that doesn’t list you as a customer or that isn’t a charitable or political organization. Note that this action will not prevent telemarketing calls from any company you currently have a relationship with or that lists you as a customer. A national no-call list will not apply to any lawyer appealing for charities or political campaigns.
A second approach that will help get rid of telemarketers not covered by national do not call listing involves tricking the telemarketing companies into thinking that your number is no longer valid. This is accomplished by obtaining a recording of the local telephone company’s automated message announcing that the dialed number has been disconnected. Be sure to catch the three-tone sound before the automated message plays, as this is what identifies a disconnected number from the autodial equipment used by many telemarketing companies.
Recording this message and setting it as an outgoing message on your answering machine will require many telemarketers to remove their phone number from active rotation. At least for a short time, this will eliminate telemarketers who always seem to call inconvenient times. Make sure you let friends and family know what you’re up to so they don’t think your phone has been cut.
A third way to get rid of telemarketers is to give them an official cease and desist notice. Using online sites to identify the company that is calling, a sales office number can be called back and asked to be removed. You can also obtain mailing addresses and send a certified letter asking to be removed. Most reputable telemarketing companies will honor these types of requests.
A simple method is to use the Caller ID function. When a call comes in, let it go to voicemail or voicemail if you don’t recognize the caller’s name and number. There’s a good chance the call is from a telemarketer requesting something, and he’ll hang up once your automated welcome message starts playing. If it’s really important, the caller will leave a message.
Chances are you won’t be able to get rid of telemarketers in every situation. But by making use of several methods, you can reduce the number of telemarketing calls to your home or cell phone. For the rest, ignore them and go on living your life.
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