Anything else besides Do Not Call List to stop telemarketers?
For the first time in my life, I have a land line number that's listed. I got it because the alarm system required a land line. I probably should have made the number an unlisted, non-published one, but am tired of all the little $2-3 monthly fees for extras, so decided not to.
After the number was connected, I added it to the Do Not Call Registry immediately.
After a couple of weeks, the telemarketing calls began. I also got calls from collection agencies looking for some female who apparently used to have that number. After a month or two, the collection calls stopped, but the telemarketing calls didn't.
I checked to make sure the number was listed as a "do not call" number, and it is. On some days, I was getting as many as 10 calls, which became very annoying as I have to stop what I'm doing to answer the phone. I called my phone company, and they put a block on my number to prevent anonymous and private numbers from ringing through. That helped reduce the calls by about half.
The calls I still receive are not charities, political, or companies that I have a relationship with or have requested information from. They're of the "lower your credit card interest rates" or "we recently sent you a package, press 1 if you've received it, press 2 if you haven't" variety.
I used to get spam faxes at the office, and spent a year filling out FCC complaints on them, sending a copy of the fax to the FCC and they never slowed down, despite getting letters back from the FCC that they were investigating.
I think asking to have your number added to a company's do not call list is a scam. They remove your number from their list, then sell it to another company, and this is repeated over and over.
Is there some secret I don't know about? I'm really getting sick of the calls, and some of the callers--once you get past the automated recording--are downright nasty when they realize you aren't interested and don't want to be bothered.
If we had a governmental body that represented the people in this country, instead of opt out we'd have opt in, with stiff penalties for companies that call when they shouldn't, but of course we don't, since our representatives are owned by corporations.
Would appreciate advice if anyone knows of something else that can be done to eliminate or reduce the calls, other than changing to an unlisted phone number--and even then I'm not sure it would make much difference.
Thanks in advance. 
= new reply since forum marked as read
When they hear the second "Hello?", you hear some clicks on the line and they connect you with a telemarketer.
So when I pick up, I only give one hello, then I listen. If it's a friend, they'll speak up immediately. If it's a telemarketer, the system will wait for that second "Hello."
For extra fun, use an answering machine with an outgoing message "Hello? ... "Hello? ... I can't come to the phone right now. Leave a message!"
I do have better things to do, which is why the constant interruption of the phone ringing is a problem. Not answering makes no difference, as they keep calling back, or the voice mail records the message every time they call. 
When they seem puzzled, I explain to them that my time is too valuable to waste for free, but for $30 an hour at a 4 hour minimum ill be happy to listen to their sales pitch. 
Sometimes I'll ask for their home telephone number and ask them what time they eat dinner so I can interrupt them in the middle of their meal 
I get maybe 2/day at my business. When the phone rings I have to turn off a machine, turn off a dust collector, etc..
Things I do-- to lighten up and not get myself all in a twisted knot and and a raging, spittle-immiting red-faced baboon..:>
1- Say, just a moment please, I will get.. " jack, who is in charge of accounts payable," whatever.. Then I put the phone on hold and go back to work.
2-Switch to my cordless extension phone. put it next to my jointer--that's a MACHINE, for you folks who were about to make a wisecrack.. :> ) and turn the sucker on..
3- SCREECH like holy hell into the phone
4-Blow an ACME siren into the phone.
5- I have a few others as well....
unwanted calls, the Litigious Consumer database.
It may be you need only file one Complaint, to make it onto that list.
I’ll explain my experience. I was receiving more unwanted calls each day than legitimate calls. All my phone lines are on the Do Not Call list. So I read up on the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
http://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/policy/TCPA-Rules.pdf
I had become quite familiar with those autodialers which are used to make the calls prior to a recording playing or a person speaking. I had considered purchasing a recording device for the telephone. I had a script ready so I could obtain information from the callers. I had a camera ready to snap pictures of my caller ID and I had a phone Assistant to print the logs of my incoming calls.
I was informed and my trap was prepared to catch prey. Rather than a telemarketer, it was a debt collector who called. They were using an autodialer and calling for a family member in another town. I recognized violations of the FDCPA and TCPA and filed a Complaint in my local District Court. In my state, one can file for up to $8,000.
When you receive unwanted calls, you can select an option to eliminate your number from their database or request it of the calling party. You can also send a Cease & Desist letter to the company and see if they continue to call. Such a letter proves the company was knowingly contacting you improperly and triples the damages under the TCPA.
In my experience, it’s worth learning your rights and taking simple action to hold these scammers accountable. If you decide to follow the law, you too can deposit a check.
Since I filed my Complaint, I rarely receive unwanted calls. It’s actually a bit disappointing to me since I know my way to the District Court. 
That Litigious Consumer list is the one that is really effective in my experience.
Also please note:
Beginning October 16, 2013, prior express written consent will be required for all autodialed and/or pre-recorded calls/texts sent/made to cell phone and pre-recorded calls made to residential land lines for marketing purposes.
Beginning October 16, 2013, the “established business relationship” exemption for pre-recorded telemarketing calls to residential landlines will be eliminated.
The TCPA provides for either actual damages or statutory damages ranging from $500.00 to $1,500.00 per unsolicited call/message.
I'm really sick of the calls. It's an interruption in my day, and when you have to repeatedly stop what you're doing to answer the phone, each call is increasingly annoying.
Much appreciated!
the unlisted, unpublished number...
it didn't make a damned bit of difference.
They have machines that dial sequences of numbers, apparently, so even if your number isn't listed anyplace, it can still be called. As mine was. So it didn't make sense to pay for a number that could still be pestered by telemarketers.
I have caller ID so it's pretty easy to tell the legitimate callers.
The Do Not Call Registry is pretty much a joke.
So. Every so often I get into a bad mood and, if pestered enough by those assclowns, I will retaliate with a sharp blast from my rape whistle.
Funny...the calls stop for a while.
one perv call.
Unfortunately, the fun only lasted a little while, because I couldn't keep myself from choking with laughter and he hung up on me.
