Want to stop telemarketers? Keep'em talking
SEATTLE -- It never fails, just as you're having dinner, about to jump in the shower or are deep in conversation, the phone rings, and on the other end is a telemarketer.
Instead of hanging up, the best way to get rid of them for good, may be to keep them talking.
When I get fed up, I do what Jerry Seinfeld did. In one episode of "Seinfeld," Jerry answered a ringing phone and asked the telemarketer for his home phone number, so he could call him back.
The telemarketer didn't want to give out his home number and Seinfeld replied, "Now you know how I feel," and hung up.
That may be how most of us feel, but hang up and there's no guarantee they won't call back.
"I don't know how they get my number, I'm on the Do Not Call list," said Sheryl Juber.
Juber found out the hard way, the Do Not Call Registry is not a guarantee.
It stops most telemarketers, but some still call. They're just hoping you won't turn them in.
But they need to be stopped, reported and slapped with a hefty fine. Some federal violations are worth $11,000.
Instead of hanging up on pesky telemarketers try talking to them. Turn the table and ask them questions.
But remember, cajole them, don't get defensive. You want vital information: Their phone number or the name of their company.
"If you can't get the information, it's going to be really hard to fine anybody," worried Juber.
If telemarketers won't cooperate you do have some options.
The Utility Consumers' Action Network, a non-profit designed to protect consumers and fight corporate abuse, suggest using Caller ID or *69 to find the number. The only other thing you need to file a federal complaint is the date that the telemarketer called.
Once you get the information, go to the "Do Not Call Registry" complaint site, and once there, click on 'file a complaint' and submit it. The government will investigate.
And keep in mind, there's nothing stopping you from suing them in state or local court under a little know act called Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
You can take telemarketers to court and if you win, collect damages.
But a private lawsuit requires more work. You need the name of the company. Remember, Caller ID or *69 should get you the phone number.
You can plug that number into a free online reverse directory to try and figure out the name of the company.
By law, telemarketers have to answer a series of questions:
What is your name?
What is the company phone number?
Will you send me a copy of your do not call policy?
Will you put me on your do not call list?
If they refuse to do any of these, you have grounds for a lawsuit. Each unanswered question is worth $500.
"I flat out told them please don't call me. I'm on the do not call list, don't call me," said Juber.
Keeping her telemarketer talking was not Sheryl's first instinct, but trying it may stop the pesky calls, cut the attitude, and guarantee some much needed peace and quiet.
Since the registry began 5 years ago, the government has filed cases against 30 companies resulting in nearly $9 million in civil penalties.
Keep in mind calls from political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors are not covered under the do-not-call registry.
For a step-by-step guide for taking on telemarketers, head to www.ucan.org
Instead of hanging up, the best way to get rid of them for good, may be to keep them talking.
When I get fed up, I do what Jerry Seinfeld did. In one episode of "Seinfeld," Jerry answered a ringing phone and asked the telemarketer for his home phone number, so he could call him back.
The telemarketer didn't want to give out his home number and Seinfeld replied, "Now you know how I feel," and hung up.
That may be how most of us feel, but hang up and there's no guarantee they won't call back.
"I don't know how they get my number, I'm on the Do Not Call list," said Sheryl Juber.
Juber found out the hard way, the Do Not Call Registry is not a guarantee.
It stops most telemarketers, but some still call. They're just hoping you won't turn them in.
But they need to be stopped, reported and slapped with a hefty fine. Some federal violations are worth $11,000.
Instead of hanging up on pesky telemarketers try talking to them. Turn the table and ask them questions.
But remember, cajole them, don't get defensive. You want vital information: Their phone number or the name of their company.
"If you can't get the information, it's going to be really hard to fine anybody," worried Juber.
If telemarketers won't cooperate you do have some options.
The Utility Consumers' Action Network, a non-profit designed to protect consumers and fight corporate abuse, suggest using Caller ID or *69 to find the number. The only other thing you need to file a federal complaint is the date that the telemarketer called.
Once you get the information, go to the "Do Not Call Registry" complaint site, and once there, click on 'file a complaint' and submit it. The government will investigate.
And keep in mind, there's nothing stopping you from suing them in state or local court under a little know act called Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
You can take telemarketers to court and if you win, collect damages.
But a private lawsuit requires more work. You need the name of the company. Remember, Caller ID or *69 should get you the phone number.
You can plug that number into a free online reverse directory to try and figure out the name of the company.
By law, telemarketers have to answer a series of questions:
What is your name?
What is the company phone number?
Will you send me a copy of your do not call policy?
Will you put me on your do not call list?
If they refuse to do any of these, you have grounds for a lawsuit. Each unanswered question is worth $500.
"I flat out told them please don't call me. I'm on the do not call list, don't call me," said Juber.
Keeping her telemarketer talking was not Sheryl's first instinct, but trying it may stop the pesky calls, cut the attitude, and guarantee some much needed peace and quiet.
Since the registry began 5 years ago, the government has filed cases against 30 companies resulting in nearly $9 million in civil penalties.
Keep in mind calls from political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors are not covered under the do-not-call registry.
For a step-by-step guide for taking on telemarketers, head to www.ucan.org