CPA QUICK REFERENCE
Information for Consumers

HOW TO HANG UP ON TELEMARKETERS FOR GOOD
(RS220) 

HOW DO THEY GET YOUR NUMBER?

· When you sign up for contests or drawings, you are almost always signing up for telemarketing calls, too. Often that’s the real purpose of such promotions.

· When you call 800, 888, 877 and 900 numbers your phone number can be captured through Automatic Number Identification then matched up via computerized lists and street address directories.

· If your number is printed on your check, it’s available to be copied and input into computer data banks.

· Lists of telephone numbers are available from reputable companies who have no real control over how their customers use their information.

· These phone pests don’t even have to have your phone number; they use automatic dialing devices that call every number conceivable.

7 STEPS TO HANG UP ON TELEMARKETERS

Anytime you get a telemarketing call, tell then to put you on their “don’t call” list. Federal laws require them to maintain such lists. Keep a log of each request you make including the name of the company as well as the date and time of the call. Also ask for a copy of their written policy for “do not call” lists.

Step 2. Contact the DMA and CPAA

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) offers a Telephone Preference Service used by national telemarketers. You must write to the DMA to have your phone number added to their “don’t call” list. Send your name, address and phone number, including area code, to:

Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY  11735-9014

Step 3. Change your phone service.

It will cost you a little more, but if you get an unlisted number, the reduction in calls may well be worth it. Call your phone company to find out about this service. Also find out about Caller ID and Call Blocking services your phone company offers.

Step 4. Remove your address from directories.

While you’re at it, ask the phone company to remove your listing from their street address directory. Write the following directories and tell them to take you off their lists:

Haines & Co.
Criss-Cross Directory
Attn: Director of Data Processing
8050 Freedom Avenue, NW
North Canton, OH  44720

R.L. Polk & Co.
Attn: List Suppression Files
26955 Northwestern Highway
South Field, MI  48034

Don’t print your phone number on your check. When someone asks for your number, make sure the request is a reasonable one. You get to decide to whom you give your phone number.

Step 6. When you call “toll-free” or “pay-per-call” numbers.

If you call 800, 888, 877 or 900 numbers, tell them that you don’t want your name, address or phone number rented or exchanged with others. You can also ask them not to call you in the future.

Step 7. When you enter sweepstakes or contests.

If you do enter sweepstakes or contests, write on the entry that you do not want your name, address or phone number added to any lists they may compile from the entries.

TELEPHONE PRIVACY - IT'S THE LAW

Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991

This law requires that businesses:

· Take you off their list if you ask them to do so.

· Have a written policy for maintaining “do not call” lists that is available upon demand.

· Can call only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless they have your express consent, or unless you have an established business relationship.

· Cannot use a fax machine, computer or other device to send an unsolicited ad unless the receiving party has given prior consent.

· Cannot use a prerecorded message unless the called party consents or the call is for emergency purposes.

· Tax-exempt or nonprofit organizations are not required to comply with the “do not call” list requirements. And, the laws do not apply to calls made to businesses.

· The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 allows you to sue a telemarketer in state court under certain conditions.

The Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud Abuse Prevention Act

· This law also requires telemarketers to keep “do not call” lists, and, under certain conditions, you can sue telemarketers in federal court if they do not comply.

· They are restricted to the hours of calling and must make certain disclosures during the course of the call about the nature of the call and the goods or services they represent.

· They cannot make false or misleading statements or misrepresent any information including the total cost and the quality of any goods or services they are offering.

· Under this law, “do not call” lists don’t apply to nonprofit organizations, but they do apply to telemarketing companies providing services for nonprofit organizations if the telemarketers sell goods and services as part of the call.

STILL GETTING TELEMARKETING CALLS?

CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

When you receive more than you expect...let the business know with CPAA's Thank You! card. And, when you don't, use CPAA's You Blew It! card. As a member, you receive copies of both to hand out in person...or, send them via e-mail using the links provided. 

If you need to, file a complaint following CPAA's guidelines and sample complaint letter. And, if the business still doesn't do the "right thing", you can file a formal complaint with CPAA. We can even provide formal arbitration services if needed. 

Other Summary Sheets you might find of interest: 

• How to Get Your Name Off Junk Mail Lists 
• How To Keep Your Information Private