Matte Release: Stop Calling Me! 

How to Remove Your Name from Telemarketing Lists

           Tired of calls from strangers trying to sell you something?  You can’t avoid unwanted calls completely, but according to the nonprofit National Consumers League, you can reduce the number of calls you receive.  

• Don’t provide information that isn’t necessary for the transaction.  Don’t just fill in the blanks on order forms, warranty forms, etc. without considering whether you want to limit the information you supply.

• Think twice before entering contests.  Entry forms are often used to build marketing lists.

• Know the privacy policy.  Look for explanations about what personal information the company collects, how is it used, and what control you have over it.  If you don’t know what the privacy policy is, ask.

• Know when your personal information is being collected.  Be aware of Automatic Number Identification, which shows the number you’re dialing from when you call a company’s 800 number.  Ask what information is being collected and tell the company if you don’t want to be put on a marketing list.

• Understand that unlisted and unpublished phone numbers don’t guarantee privacy.  Marketers may get your number if you’ve given it to others or they may dial you randomly.

• Know your rights.  Federal law allows you to tell telemarketers not to call you again.  Ask your state consumer protection agency if you have “Do Not Call” rights under state law.

            Industry associations can help.  Call 888-567-8688 to get off marketing lists for preapproved credit and insurance offers (this does not affect your ability to apply for credit or insurance).  The Direct Marketing Association’s Telephone Preference Service will remove you from many major companies’ telemarketing lists.  Write to TPS, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014 or go to http://www.the-dma.org/cgi/offtelephonedave.  Be sure to include your phone number.

            Report violations of your federal “Do Not Call” rights to the Federal Trade Commission, 877-382-4357 or http://www.ftc.gov/ and the Federal Communications Commission, 888-225-5322 or http://www.fcc.gov/cib.  You can also sue in small claims court under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act for $500.   For more tips go to http://www.nclnet.org/privacy/.