Learn how to stop unwanted telemarketing, collection, and harassing phone calls by registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, contacting service providers, and knowing when to involve law enforcement.
Ever had the experience of rushing to answer an incoming call only to be pestered by telemarketers, survey companies, and collectors? Though less prevalent, other unsolicited calls that cause stress for many people include harassing and obscene calls. Sometimes you just want to smash the phone to stop those nuisance calls from unknown callers. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop those unwanted calls.
- National Do Not Call Registry. The easiest way to prevent telemarketing calls is by registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which is run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Register your home telephone number and your cellular numbers on the opt-out list, which according to the FTC will reduce the telemarketing calls you receive by 80%. Register for the National Do Not Call Registry in two ways. One is by calling the FTC’s toll-free number 888-382-1222 (TTY: 866-290-4236). The other way is to register online through the FTC website, donotcall.gov.
- Collection calls. As if hourly calls from debt collection agents aren’t bad enough, they sometimes come with threats and harassment if you don’t pay your debts. The initial action you can take is to write to them and politely ask that they stop calling you by telephone. If those calls persist, you may then choose to call a lawyer, or better yet, call the FTC to file a complaint.
- Harassing calls. Different phone companies have different policies regarding harassing calls. Some will direct you to call the police department first before they can take action, while other phone companies will connect you to their “nuisance desk” for immediate action. When the calls become serious and threaten life or property, you should call the police and file a report. Gather as much information as you can from the caller, such as the caller’s gender, the statements made by the caller, any accent, and other vital information that may be useful for law enforcement agencies.
- Service Providers. You may want to contact your telephone company and ask for an unlisted number and caller ID. You may also inquire if they can block numbers from connecting to your telephone.
- Ask politely. The National Do Not Call Registry has a limited scope and does not include companies with which you have existing transactions, charitable institutions, political organizations, or phone surveys. If you encounter these callers, you can just ask them to add your number to their company or organization's DNC list, as the case may be. Usually, especially for institutions, a simple request works the first time. All you need to do is ask.
Communication is a part of everyday living, and the telephone is the most dependable tool for us to communicate with friends and family, whether near or far. However, the telephone has also been abused by companies, institutions, or even certain individuals. Being informed and knowing what to do if this annoyance persists will be your best tool for stopping these nuisances. Then maybe you can have that quiet, relaxing afternoon you have always wanted, without the stress of those unwanted calls.
Stop Those Unwanted Phone Calls
Learn how to stop unwanted telemarketing, collection, and harassing phone calls by registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, contacting service providers, and knowing when to involve law enforcement.
Ever had the experience of rushing to answer an incoming call only to be pestered by telemarketers, survey companies, and collectors? Though less prevalent, other unsolicited calls that cause stress for many people include harassing and obscene calls. Sometimes you just want to smash the phone to stop those nuisance calls from unknown callers. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop those unwanted calls.
- National Do Not Call Registry. The easiest way to prevent telemarketing calls is by registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which is run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Register your home telephone number and your cellular numbers on the opt-out list, which according to the FTC will reduce the telemarketing calls you receive by 80%. Register for the National Do Not Call Registry in two ways. One is by calling the FTC’s toll-free number 888-382-1222 (TTY: 866-290-4236). The other way is to register online through the FTC website, donotcall.gov.
- Collection calls. As if hourly calls from debt collection agents aren’t bad enough, they sometimes come with threats and harassment if you don’t pay your debts. The initial action you can take is to write to them and politely ask that they stop calling you by telephone. If those calls persist, you may then choose to call a lawyer, or better yet, call the FTC to file a complaint.
- Harassing calls. Different phone companies have different policies regarding harassing calls. Some will direct you to call the police department first before they can take action, while other phone companies will connect you to their “nuisance desk” for immediate action. When the calls become serious and threaten life or property, you should call the police and file a report. Gather as much information as you can from the caller, such as the caller’s gender, the statements made by the caller, any accent, and other vital information that may be useful for law enforcement agencies.
- Service Providers. You may want to contact your telephone company and ask for an unlisted number and caller ID. You may also inquire if they can block numbers from connecting to your telephone.
- Ask politely. The National Do Not Call Registry has a limited scope and does not include companies with which you have existing transactions, charitable institutions, political organizations, or phone surveys. If you encounter these callers, you can just ask them to add your number to their company or organization's DNC list, as the case may be. Usually, especially for institutions, a simple request works the first time. All you need to do is ask.
Communication is a part of everyday living, and the telephone is the most dependable tool for us to communicate with friends and family, whether near or far. However, the telephone has also been abused by companies, institutions, or even certain individuals. Being informed and knowing what to do if this annoyance persists will be your best tool for stopping these nuisances. Then maybe you can have that quiet, relaxing afternoon you have always wanted, without the stress of those unwanted calls.
Stop Those Unwanted Phone Calls
By Howtodotips
Learn how to stop unwanted telemarketing, collection, and harassing phone calls by registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, contacting service providers, and knowing when to involve law enforcement.