To minimize telemarketing calls, register on a government “do not call” list, use an automated message announcing a disconnected number, give a cease and desist notice, and use Caller ID to screen calls.
Many people find telemarketing calls to home and cell phones irritating. 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 the telemarketers and enjoy a little more peace and quiet.
First, make sure you are registered on any government-sponsored “do not call” list. The United States and several other countries have created this type of listing. Registering your home and mobile phone numbers to this list will effectively terminate calls from any business that does not list you as a customer or is not a charitable or political organization. Keep in mind that this action will not prevent telemarketing calls from any company you are currently doing business with or list you as a customer. A national call list also does not apply to solicitors calling on behalf of charities or political campaigns.
A second approach that will help get rid of telemarketers not covered by the national call list does not involve tricking telemarketers into thinking your number is no longer valid. This is achieved by obtaining a recording of the automated message from the local telephone company announcing that the dialed number has been disconnected. Be sure to catch the three tones emitted before the automated message plays, as this is what identifies a disconnected number on the automatic dialing equipment used by many telemarketers.
Recording this message and setting it as an outgoing message on your answering machine will prompt many telemarketers to remove your phone number from active rotation. At least for a short time, this will eliminate the telemarketers who always seem to call at inopportune times. Make sure your friends and family know what you’re doing so they don’t think your phone has been hacked.
A third way to get rid of telemarketers is to give them official cease and desist notice. Using online sites to identify the business calling, it is possible to call back a business office number and request removal. You can also obtain mailing addresses and send a certified letter requesting your removal. Most reputable telemarketing companies will fulfill this type of request.
A simple method is to use the Caller ID feature. When you receive a call, scroll to voicemail or answering machine if you don’t recognize the caller’s name and number. There’s a good chance the call was made by a telemarketer asking for something, and he’ll hang up as soon as his automatic 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 using several different methods, you can decrease the number of telemarketing calls to your home or cell phone. As for the rest, disregard them and get on with your life.
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