Time Waster: Telephone Solicitation and Telemarketers

Published on: Author: Anne Langton

You might think this is an odd topic for a professional organizer to write about but during this past political season I have been inundated with so called “robocalls” or “autodialers” from various political candidates from all parties.  Now let me make a disclaimer here…I am in no way discouraging participation in the political process.  What I resent is the almost constant intrusion on my time!

When many of us are trying to make an extra effort to some what “time manage” our day, how infuriating is it when others waste our time in such an uninvited manner?  So in the name of “Time Management”, I will attempt to describe a brief and concise summary of what are our rights and rules regarding tele-marketers and robocalls.  There are many to be sure but I will attempt to pull out the most pertinent facts.

  FACTS ABOUT TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS

 

  • 1991 the FCC passed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act to limit telephone solicitation
  • The Do Not Call Registry was created so that consumers can limit phone calls by submitting their phone numbers
  • Once you are on this list, there is no need to re-register
  • You may register land lines and cell phone numbers
  • Individual state registries also exist

 WHO IS EXEMPT FROM THE DO NOT CALL REGISTRY

 

  • Businesses with whom you have established a relationship
  • Charities
  • Marketing Surveyors
  • Political Organizations

 CONTACT INFORMATION

 

  • To register for the Do Not Call registry go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register
  • To register complaints online go to www.fcc.gov/complaints  or call 1-888-225-5322.

Now back to those annoying political robocalls…is there anything that can be done to limit them?  There websites that claim to limit your incoming political phone calls but they do charge (example: $4.99 per year or $24.99 for lifetime membership) If you are really at your wits end this might be a solution for you.  However most of us will just grin and bear it looking forward to the day after Election Day.

An Organized Lifestyle is NOT about Perfection…It’s About Living a Manageable Life