Search for "Telephone Consumers Protection Act" (TCPA from here on) on your favorite search engine. It protects the telemarketers more than it protects you "Telephone Consumers," but there are a few key points in the law that all Americans can use to rid their nation of the telemarketing segma that's somehow found its way into America's collective rectum.1. DON'T HANG UP! It may seem like a rude thing to do, but doing so only frees up the autodialer to call someone else. Pretend to listen to the speel. You can munch on something, post insipid messages to your favorite internet discussion group, watch television, read a book, but be sure to chime in with an "all right" or "I see" every now and then.
2. ASK QUESTIONS See above. It all goes to waste their time.
3. ASK TO BE PLACED ON THE COMPANIES' "DO NOT CALL" LIST This is right from the TCPA, which mandates such a list be maintained by all telemarketers. Once you are on the list, your name and number must stay there for ten years. Calling a "do not call" number can result in a $500 fine, and you can seek damages in civil court.
If they tell you that it can take several weeks for your nae to be placed on the "Do Not Call" list, tell the that if they call again, you will take them up on their offer for their product or service, and not pay for it. The TCPA does not allow for a waiting list. Calling you after you have asked to be placed on the "Do Not Call" list violates the TCPA, and any contract that directly stems from an illegal act is unenforceable. Enjoy the free newspapers, lawn care, et cetera...
4. ASK FOR A COPY OF THE COMPANIES' "DO NOT CALL" POLICY The TCPA mandates that telemarketers have sucha policy, and send a copy to anybody in the world who asks for one. They will ask for a fax number, but make the spend money on postage to send it to you. IT serves no purpose (I have an impressive collection of these things), but it's just another fly in the telemarketing ointment.
5. LOG THE CALL If they call again, take them to small claims court, and contact the local Attorney General's office.
See, if everyone did this, even a simpleton can see how the telemarketing scourge would grind to a halt, and America will have won a small, yet satisfying, victory.
Hugh Morris
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