Annoyed by constant telemarketing calls? We feel your pain. These calls can be such a nuisance, but don't worry – there are ways to put an end to them.
Here's how to make telemarketers a thing of the past
1. Join the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows you to opt out of most telemarketing calls. Simply visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. Once you're on the list, telemarketers are required to stop calling you within 31 days. Easy as pie!
2. Use call blocking software or hardware
There are lots of call blocking options available for both smartphones and home phones. Many smartphones have built-in call blocking features, or you can download a call blocking app from the app store. You can also purchase a call blocking device for your home phone, like a call blocker or a call blocking feature from your phone service provider. These tools allow you to block specific numbers or block all unknown numbers, so you won't have to deal with telemarketers calling you. Here are some call blocking tools and methods recommended directly by the FCC.
3. Don't engage with telemarketers
If a telemarketer does manage to get through, resist the urge to engage with them. Don't give them any personal information or agree to anything. Just hang up the phone. If you do engage with them, it can actually make the problem worse. Telemarketers often use information from previous calls to tailor their pitches and make them more persuasive, so the more you talk to them, the more likely you are to receive more calls.
4. Use caller ID spoofing protection
Telemarketers may use caller ID spoofing to make it appear like they're calling from a local number or a legitimate business. This can make it harder to identify and block the call. To protect against caller ID spoofing, you can use a caller ID spoofing protection service. These services use advanced technology to detect and block calls from telemarketers and other unwanted callers. If you don't want to use a third party service then Avast has some neat guides on how to protect yourself from caller ID spoofing directly from your phone.
5. Don't pick up when the number seems shady
If you see a number on your caller ID that you don't recognize, or if the number looks suspicious, don't pick up the phone. Instead of getting your blood boiling or wasting valuable minutes of your life yelling at the other side of the phone, JUST let it go to voicemail. If it's a telemarketer, they'll leave a message and you can decide whether or not you want to call them back (but we recommend not bothering). If it's a legitimate call, the person will usually leave a message and you can call them back when it's convenient for you. By not picking up the phone when the number seems shady, you can help to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. Telemarketers rely on people picking up the phone to pitch their products or services, so if you don't answer, they'll move on to the next potential customer.
6. Replying "Stop" right away.
If you don't even have the slightest inclination nor interest to sell or buy or do anything. Replying "Stop" proactively will unsubscribe you automatically from any system generated texts. This in our opinion is a more effective approach that registering on the DNC database. A lot of companies do not adhere to that list and would still attempt to reach out. Just keeping a level head and doing this step is the easiest thing to do.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive and finally have some peace and quiet.
Don't let telemarketers ruin your day – take action to stop them now!
If you found this article helpful or if you have any other tips you can share, please consider leaving a comment and share it with others.
"The Mayora"
Krissie M
Customer Relations Manager