Make Telemarketers Pay

Telemarketers use a script: why shouldn't you?

Every time you get a call you consider a solicitation, or a telemarketing call, just ask the questions in this script.
If they answer no to a question with a $, you may be able to sue them.

*"Are you calling to sell something?'' (or ``is this a telemarketing call?'')
*"Could you tell me your full name please?'' $
*"And a phone number, area code first?'' $
*"What's the name of the organization you're calling for?'' $
*"Does that organization keep a list of numbers it's been asked not to call?'' $
*"I would like my number(s) put on that list. Can you take care of that now?'' $
*"And does the company you work for also make telemarketing calls for any other organizations?'' (If they answer no, skip the next question.)
*(If yes) "Can you make sure your company won't call me for any other organization?'' $
You may need to ask to speak with a supervisor if they sound lost.
When you're ready to let them off, you might close with
*"Is it clear that I never want telemarketing calls from anyone?'' and just say goodbye.
If you feel like making them pay, keep going:
*"Will your company keep my number on its do-not-call list for at least ten years?'' $
*"And does your company have a written policy that says that on paper?'' $
*"Can you send me a copy of it?'' $
*"What's your supervisor's first and last name?''
*"What's your employer's business name, address and main telephone number?''
*"Are you calling for a tax-exempt nonprofit organization?''
*"Is this call based on a previously established business relationship?''
Before hanging up, check you have all their answers written down, then say goodbye.
Add the date and time to your record. (Is it between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.? $
If they answer no to any question ending in "$'' you may be able to sue them for $500-$1500 under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
But if the answer to either of the last two questions is yes, then the Act doesn't consider the call to be a solicitation, so it's not covered by many of its regulations.
Also excluded are calls to business numbers.