Do Not Call List

[wantonebad]

Ok, we all know the U.S. DNC list is a joke, my question is why? I've been on it since day 1 and I get more calls now then I ever have. I don't answer them, I never have, but still they call, still they hang up or leave silly messages about being so and so marketing, survey, research blah blah blah.

What do you guys do to combat the 6:30 PM "unavailable" calls or the "BS Mktg Co." calls.

I'm 10 seconds away from canceling my land-line I'm really having a tough time lately!!

I got home Thursday night last week and there were 12 messages on my voicemail all of them were hangups from telemarketers. Not one viable call. I feel totally harassed.

[donas]

I've only had a cell phone for the last 17 years or so....seems to work fine for me.

I had to get a landline for the house alarm, just didnt connect a phone to it.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by donas

I've only had a cell phone for the last 17 years or so....seems to work fine for me.

I had to get a landline for the house alarm, just didnt connect a phone to it.

I hate the idea of a family member or friend not being able to reach me but I am seriously thinking about just unplugging the phone.

[Lisa]

Not sure why or how the DNC list fizzled like it did... would it take to enforce it? And how many tax dollars is it costing to keep it running? Grrr.....

I despise telemarketers.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Lisa

Not sure why or how the DNC list fizzled like it did... would it take to enforce it? And how many tax dollars is it costing to keep it running? Grrr.....

I despise telemarketers.

Violation of the do not call registry and it's guidelines are actionable and subject to $1,000 fines which can be sought in small claims court. It takes a lot of leg work to connect the dots, and many of these firms are insulated by off shore entities and dummy company's.

Plus it has to be a clear violation and if you've purchased something from one of their clients in the last 18 months, they have the right to contact you. So it takes a lot of work to nail one of them, and even if you do they have lawyers.

But i do like the idea of it! many things to consider...

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Violation of the do not call registry and it's guidelines are actionable and subject to $1,000 fines which can be sought in small claims court. It takes a lot of leg work to connect the dots, and many of these firms are insulated by off shore entities and dummy company's.

Plus it has to be a clear violation and if you've purchased something from one of their clients in the last 18 months, they have the right to contact you. So it takes a lot of work to nail one of them, and even if you do they have lawyers.

But i do like the idea of it! many things to consider...

I've tried to complain about violations via the DNC website. It's futile and hardly worth the effort. Easier just not to answer the phone.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I've tried to complain about violations via the DNC website. It's futile and hardly worth the effort. Easier just not to answer the phone.

Agreed, you're right Lisa, and that's most likely all I'll do but I like the idea of filing on one in particular that just loves the 6:30 time slot. I may file just to see what happens.

[Jack's Uncle]

An oldie but a goodie response to a telemarketer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkdoogjic4I

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Jack's Uncle

An oldie but a goodie response to a telemarketer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkdoogjic4I

That's a good one, and then there is this classic from the 90's

[warren G.]

Originally Posted by Jack's Uncle

An oldie but a goodie response to a telemarketer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkdoogjic4I

LOOOOL

Thank you for the laugh.

[evilfij]

Just get rid of your land line. I did when I realized I only got telemarketer calls.

[GradyPhilpott]

I haven't had a land line in years and I simply don't answer unidentified numbers or numbers that I don't recognize.

That's what voice mail is for.

If I do inadvertently answer a call from a telemarketer, I tell the person on the line in harsh, but civil, terms not to call my number again.

I am also on the "Do Not Call" list.

My phone is for me, not for every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a serial dialer.

[Rbdport]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I haven't had a land line in years and I simply don't answer unidentified numbers or numbers that I don't recognize.

That's what voice mail is for.

If I do inadvertently answer a call from a telemarketer, I tell the person on the line in harsh, but civil, terms not to call my number again.

I am also on the "Do Not Call" list.

My phone is for me, not for every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a serial dialer.

Exactly that! We haven't had a land line in over 15 years. Friends and family know I will not answer a number I don't know....but they also know to leave a message. My phone is ALWAYS with me and those that NEED to get in touch with me ALWAYS can. My phone exists for MY convienence, period.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Ok, we all know the U.S. DNC list is a joke, my question is why? I've been on it since day 1 and I get more calls now then I ever have. I don't answer them, I never have, but still they call, still they hang up or leave silly messages about being so and so marketing, survey, research blah blah blah.

What do you guys do to combat the 6:30 PM "unavailable" calls or the "BS Mktg Co." calls.

I'm 10 seconds away from canceling my land-line I'm really having a tough time lately!!

I got home Thursday night last week and there were 12 messages on my voicemail all of them were hangups from telemarketers. Not one viable call. I feel totally harassed.

Yes must admit they are a pain in the ars# in the UK now at the moment its PPI.Myself now say to these cold callers just hang on my front door bell is ringing then put the phone by the side and go and make a cup of tea.Some I ask for a password they ask I do not have the password,me well then I cannot talk to you.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by padi56

Yes must admit they are a pain in the ars# in the UK now at the moment its PPI.Myself now say to these cold callers just hang on my front door bell is ringing then put the phone by the side and go and make a cup of tea.Some I ask for a password they ask I do not have the password,me well then I cannot talk to you.

That's priceless padi! If I ever picked up the phone when they called I would definitely steal the "hold on a minute" pay-back!

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

My phone is for me, not for every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a serial dialer.

And that's exactly why I'm reluctant to cancel my phone Grady, but it is the path of least resistance.

I just wish the DNC list had some teeth it's a shame really!!

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

That's priceless padi! If I ever picked up the phone when they called I would definitely steal the "hold on a minute" pay-back!



And that's exactly why I'm reluctant to cancel my phone Grady, but it is the path of least resistance.

I just wish the DNC list had some teeth it's a shame really!!

Sometimes I just set the phone down without a word and wander off.....

[77T]

Telemarketing is not as bad as pre-recorded robo-political calls which don't have to abide by the rules. Here in the US we are just ramping up to the surge until first Tuesday in November. The smart TM's use sophisticated predictive dialing and voice detection software to avoid leaving messages that cost them money. But the robo-calls will leave their drivel on anything that answers.

I love Padi's idea.

[doubleinfive]

I have a "Do Not Answer" list...which also includes some family members...

[East Bay Rider]

I once handed the phone over to my son, who was a toddler at the time. I knew he'd be happy to jabber on at the telemarketer. Kids like phones.
In hindsight I'm glad the telemarketer didn't teach him any bad words.

[liuk3]

We have a landline with caller ID in which you cannot leave a message. We screen our calls with caller ID. If someone needs to really get in touch with us and leave a message, they'll do so on our cell phones.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I once handed the phone over to my son, who was a toddler at the time. I knew he'd be happy to jabber on at the telemarketer. Kids like phones.
In hindsight I'm glad the telemarketer didn't teach him any bad words.

Best idea yet!

[watch watcher]

That wasn't my experience with the DNC list when i had a land line. Once signed up, the calls virtually stopped. I signed up my mother, and hers all stopped too. remember, you have to sign up once per year to stay on the list.

Just have a cell phone now and if an unrecognized # comes up, I simply don't answer it.
I Google those numbers sometimes, and none of them have been important.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by watch watcher

That wasn't my experience with the DNC list when i had a land line. Once signed up, the calls virtually stopped. I signed up my mother, and hers all stopped too. remember, you have to sign up once per year to stay on the list.

Just have a cell phone now and if an unrecognized # comes up, I simply don't answer it.
I Google those numbers sometimes, and none of them have been important.

You have to sign up every year? Are you sure?

At any rate, I'm sure I get fewer calls being on the list.

What I find amazing is that telemarketing is even profitable... it's so universally annoying, how do those companies find it worthwhile to continue to solicit us?

[watch watcher]

Originally Posted by Lisa

You have to sign up every year? Are you sure?

Well I was until now! I looked it up and yes, once registered as of 2008, once is enough.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

What do you guys do to combat the 6:30 PM "unavailable" calls or the "BS Mktg Co." calls.

I'm 10 seconds away from canceling my land-line

Don't be too hasty Marc, I get those calls on my cell phone too.

[BarkMaster]

Many landline phone providers offer "call blocking" features as do phones. There are also external devices.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by BarkMaster

Many landline phone providers offer "call blocking" features as do phones. There are also external devices.

I use call blocking for my verizon cell phone but they don't offer it for landline without a $7.99 a month charge. Didn't know about external devices for blocking calls, I'll have to look into that. Any manufacturers or models you know of?

Originally Posted by Alcan

Don't be too hasty Marc, I get those calls on my cell phone too.

Believe me Alan, I know, there is no stopping them...

[hdrazor251]

I would love to see telemarketing outlawed. Looking at my phone bills I pay almost $12/month NOT to get calls, yet I probably average 3 per night.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by hdrazor251

I would love to see telemarketing outlawed. Looking at my phone bills I pay almost $12/month NOT to get calls, yet I probably average 3 per night.

so wait you pay for call blocking but you still get calls? what provider? are they liable to refund the fee if they don't block someone?

[hdrazor251]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

so wait you pay for call blocking but you still get calls? what provider? are they liable to refund the fee if they don't block someone?

Qwest is the provider. The $12/month is what I pay for caller ID and something called security screen. Since I don't pay this bill I haven't look at it in years. It looks like security screen is just a paid version of anonymous call rejection. I think I'll be making a phone call.

Thanks