COMING SOON:

COMING SOON:
Watch Trailers To 'New Moon,' More

°

Homepage / Money
Text Size

Do-Not-Call List Popular, But Is It Effective?

Federal Lawyers Tell Telemarketers Public Frustration Justifies Registry

UPDATED: 1:14 pm EST November 11, 2003

Nearly 55 million people have signed up for the national do-not-call registry, and it's a hit with consumers, officials say.

"Well, we're actually now at 53.4 million [subscribers]," said Lois Greisman, of the Federal Trade Commission. "We've seen registration in the order of 100,000 phone numbers a day."

It may be popular, but is the registry effective?

Before the list went into effect, KXAS-TV in Dallas asked viewers to keep track of a week's worth of telemarketing calls. Then, the same people kept track of the calls they received after the list kicked in Oct. 1.

Out of the 20 volunteers, 13 said they had fewer calls. Six had no calls, and only one received the same number of calls.

"The phone is ringing less often. The home is a little quieter," Lois Greisman said.

However, that does not mean the no-call list is perfect.

Marisa Hollingsworth signed up months ago. Working from home two days a week, Hollingsworth was anxious to eliminate the calls that interrupted her workflow.

"Oh, it's absolutely annoying ... interrupts your train of thought, or another phone I'm on," Hollingsworth said.

  SURVEY
Are you still getting telemarketing calls?
But after signing up for the list, Hollingsworth is still receiving telemarketing calls.

"I was working from home on Monday of last week, and I got four phone calls from telemarketers," she said.

There are plenty of perfectly legal loopholes to the rule. For example, companies can call you for up to 18 months after you do business with them. Also, charities, survey organizations and politicians are still free to call.

Despite the loopholes, some companies are using what could be considered tricky tactics to avoid the no-call legislation.

In fact, by entering some sweepstakes and taking advantage of some coupon offers, you could be unwittingly pulling your name off the list. To avoid this, make sure to read the fine print before taking advantage of such offers.

Meanwhile, government officials say they are catching on to the questionable practices.

"You really cannot bury a consumer's rights in fine print," Greisman said. "That's just not something we're going to let you get away with very easily."

If a telemarketer does violate no-call regulation, you can file a complaint with the FTC.

Government: Public Frustration Justifies Registry

Meanwhile, the folks who call you at dinnertime are trying to sell their case to a federal appeals court.

Lawyers representing telemarketers told a federal appeals court panel in Tulsa, Okla., that the nation's new do-not-call list violates their free speech rights.

Federal lawyers answered that the public's right to privacy and its frustration with telemarketers justify the list.

Telemarketers say the law is unfair because it bars calls from businesses, but not from charities and politicians.

But federal lawyers say that when the situation was studied in 1992, the overwhelming number of complaints involved commercial callers.

Telemarketers want the appeals court to uphold lower court rulings that found the list unconstitutional. Those rulings have been blocked, pending appeals.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Explore the internet’s leading source for online universities and get financial help to further your education! More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • Six Answers Interviewers Need To Hire You

      During the typical job interview, you'll be asked a lot of questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

    • Guide To Negotiating A Great Salary

      You can start laying the groundwork for your salary negotiation even before the first interview. Here's a step-by-step guide.

    • Should You Say Yes To A Buyout?

      In today’s economy, the lure of a big-bucks buyout can be tempting, but before you say yes, take the time to understand what it will mean for you.

    • Ten Rules For Interviewing

      In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before your next interview.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand

Sponsored Links