Defeat those Telemarketers!

[Player0]

Originally posted on HardOCP, but I thought I should repost it here, as I know a lot of people will be interested in this. Check out this site, it contains some good information on how to stop those telemarketing calls.

http://home.attbi.com/~dakine/defeat.htm

I know I get 6-12 hangup calls per day on my answering machine, its those telemarketers. Ive recorded the beeps on my answering machine, sort of like that TeleZapper i was thinking of buying.

Anyway, worth a shot :)

[jema]

Lately I politely ask them to wait a minute..... then I just wander away leaving the phone hanging.... I can waste more of their time than they can of mine :D

jema

[jema]

What i do these days, is simply say to them "can you hold a minute", they say yes, and then I leave the phone for a few minutes before returning and hanging up :D

I can waste more of their time, than thay can of mine!

jema

[tripodal]

let us know if the calls slow noticably :) thinking about doing it too..

[Player0]

Its been a while now, and I tell you...the amount of calls I used to receive has plummeted. I still get the occasional hangup call, but between adding these tones to my machine, and signing up for my state's Do Not Call list, I no longer have to worry about answering the phone at 8am with some bastard telemarketer trying to sell me something I wouldnt even come close to needing.

Now if they called and let me know that they could get me a great deal on peltiers, great. But I dont need a subscription to Vanity Fair!

[tripodal]

sweet

[mackerel]

Maybe I got lucky. When I changed phone companies, I asked for them not to list me in the directories. I think I've only had 1 call from a telemarketer in the last year.

Also I ten to only give out my mobile number if asked for contact details. If they're going to call me it'll cost them. Seems to have worked so far...

If only there was an equally effective way to stop doorstep salesmen. :( Guess I should hook up a webcam by my front door.

Just wondering. I believe in the UK it's illegal for cold callers to leave messages on answerphones. Is there similar regulation in the US?

[tripodal]

No, i dont believe about cold calling. Happens sometimes
In wisconsin gov't is setting up a 1-800 line which allows you to list your number(s) as untouchable for telemarketers.
And that would make it far easier to put forth the penalties... i believe it can get as high as 10,000 for unsolicited calls... where you have repeatedly asked to be removed. Kinda harsh i know but they deserve it.

We do have a law tho, commonly you will see a sign on front doors "NO SOLICITING" meaning GET THE H*** away from my front door if you are a sales person... Anything similar to that in the UK?

time to involve yourself in the government if not!