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Do no call lists.
To prevent a telemarketer from calling you again, tell the caller to place
you on the company's "do not call" list. Federal law requires
telemarketing companies to maintain "do not call" lists. This law,
however, does not apply to non-profit organizations. |
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Kills two birds with one stone. When you ask to be placed
on a do not call lists, remember to ask the caller if his/her employer conducts
telemarketing for other companies. If you want to be placed on their "do not
call" lists, say so. Also, if you have multiple phone lines, request that your
other numbers be included on the "do not call" lists. |
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Keep track. Have a notepad by the phone so when you ask to
be on a "do not call" list, you can write down the date, the company's
name, phone number, and address. You should also ask for the name of the
caller and the name of his/her supervisor. Telemarketers are required by law to
give this information upon request. If a company calls again after you have asked
it not to, note the company name and date. |
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Follow up. After you have asked to be put on a
"do not call" list, you may want to write a letter repeating your request.
Keep a copy for your records. This provides further proof of your request. |
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Rights to sue. If a telemarketing company calls you after
you have requested to be placed on its "do not call list," you can sue
in small claims court for your actual monetary damages or $500 per violation
(whichever is greater). Furthermore, your state may give you additional
rights against telemarketers. |
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Taking action. To file a suite, look in the state government
section of your phone book for the closest small claims court. It is not expensive,
it's designed to be done without a lawyer, and you can usually get your court
costs included if you win. You may also wish to file a complaint with the
Federal Communications Commission,
the TARGET="_top">Federal Trade Commission, or
your state attorney general's office. |
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Settling. Once you have filed a suit, the company may approach
you about settling the case. Feel free to negotiate a settlement. Often, a
company would rather pay you than go through the trouble and cost of defending
itself in court. Hitting a company in the pocketbook is the best way to
stop unwanted calls. |