Say goodbye to prerecorded telemarketing calls

How do you spell relief? How about F-T-C?

The Federal trade Commission this week announced new rules that would all but end those annoying prerecorded telemarketing calls.

Beginning November 2009, most companies would be banned from using prerecorded telemarketing calls unless the person being called gives them written, signed permission. Exemptions would apply for certain prerecorded health-care-related calls, professional charity fund-raisers, and information-only calls  (i.e.: Your cable installer is running five hours late.)

Can’t wait more than a year for something to happen? Okay, starting this Dec. 1, prerecorded telemarketing calls—including those from professional fund-raisers—must include a key- or voice-activated mechanism by which you can opt out of future calls. If the prerecorded call goes to your voice mail or answering machine instead, the message must include a toll-free number that let’s you call back and use that opt-out mechanism.

The new requirements, an amendment to the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, also would mandate that those automated telemarketer dialing machines allow the telephone to ring for at least 15 seconds or four rings before an unanswered call is disconnected and that any prerecorded message start within two seconds after the person who answers completes his or her greeting.

None of the new rules changes your ability to opt out of most sales calls—prerecorded or otherwise—by registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. However, the new rules would apply to certain companies exempted from the Do Not Call Registry requirements, including those with which you already have established a business relationship.

Now go sit down and enjoy your dinner... in peace. —Anthony Giorgianni

Comments

[Shaun Dakin]

Bummer that politicians are exempt from this law.

We are fighting back, for the American voter.

1 - Creating a Political Do Not Call Registry
2 - Testifying in the US Senate about robo calls (Sen. Feinstein’s Robocall Privacy Act)
3 - Forcing states to enforce existing robo call laws (CA, MN, NJ, etc..)
4 - Getting politicians to take a do not robo call pledge (7 have)

Learn more.

Shaun Dakin
CEO
Www.StopPoliticalCalls.org
A non-profit fighting for the privacy of the American voter

[Jim]

Thanks FTC

I'd like you to include charities and bill collectors too.

[Joe]

Question:

What if the option to opt out comes at the END of the sales advertisement?

That means I have to listen to a phone call I don't want just to press the opt out button.

This is a horrible policy.

[Rosemary McKeever]

The "Do Not Call" list doesn't work 'cause they call saying, "We'd like to thank you for your *PAST* support" when I've "NEVER" supported or heard of them before but saying that allows them to call *without penalty* & pester you same as before!
Why bother creating a "Stupid" list when it "doesn't" work & you get just as many phone calls as before, on Sundays, DURING DINNER, and during your favorite movies up until 9:00PM at night!
Where have you been living? On an Island with no phone????!
Rosemary McKeever

[Vcare Call Centers India (p) Ltd.]

This sounds very good. Even this will be the best solution for avoiding the promotional calls. Thank you for sharing it in advance.

[SherlockSD]

There is one sure positive way to get exactly everything we want from the gov. Dump all the idiot politicians with personal agendas NOW and vote in people who know without a doubt Who there Employer is,,, The Legal citizens of the United States not special interests and large corps.