How To Block Telemarketers
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It is 6 p.m. and dinner is served albeit interrupted a few times by the irritating and annoying telephone call soliciting you to purchase something, from someone, from someplace. An actual human voice used to be associated with the telemarketer, but many of these telemarketing calls are now a robocall.
Not happy with just a landline solicitation, telemarketers have now expanded to cell phones and text messages to plead with you to buy something you don’t want, don’t need and don’t want to hear about – particularly at dinner time.
My cell phone has been besieged with calls from a person who has a wrong number. This person who has identified herself as “Cheryl’s Mom” frequently calls and leaves somewhat irate messages as to why Cheryl is not calling her back.
But I’m not Cheryl and I live in a different state.
Apparently Chery’s mom is not listening to my voicemail message and simply hitting redial. I appreciate the redial issue. I did try to call back Cheryl’s mom and reached her on her phone. I tried to explain I am not Cheryl and she had the wrong number. Cheryl’s mom promptly hung up me.
Block Telemarketer Calls With Do Not Call Registry
The Federal Trade Commission offers the Do Not Call Registry for landline and mobile phones. Consumers can register their numbers to block telemarketers and solicitors.
The phone number must be registered for 31 days before it takes effect. An active email address is required to register.
If after 31 days a telemarketer does call, consumers can report the telemarketer to the FTC. Political organizations and charities do not qualify for the list; however, third parties representing those organizations are not allowed.
Blocking Telemarketer Phone Numbers
The ability to block phone calls differs depending upon which device you own, its’ features and the phone provider. Older Apple iphones may not have the ability to block calls on the phone, but those who own new Apple phones can program numbers to block right from their phone.
It does take time and research if you own older devices to find a way to block phone calls or texts. Some providers such as AT&T can assist from their side, but for a charge.
Spam or telemarketing texts are not only an annoyance but can be a problem if your data plan restricts texts or charges individually for the texts. Remember the incoming number is charged for a text.