ABA Family Legal Guide

Contracts and Consumer Law

Special Consumer Protections

Telemarketing

I've had it with telemarketers and wish they'd stop calling. What can I do?

You are not alone. Many states have established do-not-call lists that compile the names and telephone numbers of residents who do not want to be contacted by telemarketers, who in turn must honor these requests. If you put yourself on your state's list, and telemarketers victimize you anyway, you may be able to get help from your state's authorities.

In addition, the federal Do-Not-Call Implementation Act authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to compile a list of people who do not wish to receive telemarketing calls. Though the constitutionality of the law has been challenged, unless it is overturned all you have to do is contact the FTC either online (www.donotcall.gov) or by a toll-free number (888-382-1222 [TTY: 866-290-4236]) and tell the agency that you want to be added to the list. Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most telemarketing calls, including those from overseas. However, you may still receive calls from political organizations, charities, people taking surveys by telephone, or companies with which you have an existing business relationship.

Or you can contact the Direct Marketing Association, which represents the telemarketing industry, and request to be put on its do-not-call list. The DMA's website is at www.the-dma.org/consumers/offtelephonelist.html .