Telemarketers see devastating effect with national 'do-not-call' list

AP ^ | June 28, 2003 | Hilary Roxe

[rockrr]

"I always give the clerks a phony telephone number.

Radio Shack used to demand an address and phone number.

One day I had an inspiration. I have an overseas address on my passport."

That's too good!
The expression you received probably matched the expression I received when the RS clerk realized that the phone number I had been giving them was the one to THIER OWN STORE!

[AlaskaErik]

This is my concern too. I believe cell phones are off limits to TMs now. However, I did hear W yesterday talking about our ability to place our home phones AND cell phones on the no-call list. Is granting TM access to cell phones part of the package or W just mis-spoke?

I called the registry and registered my home phone yesterday without any problems. Got through on the first call. This morning I went to the web site and checked the FAQ. It stated that cell phone numbers could be registered, so I registered mine. I went right to my e-mail and the confirmation message was already there. Couldn't have taken 30 seconds. So both methods were completed in a minute each. I was pleasantly surprised, since I heard so many people had trouble with both registration methods.

[Woodman]

I really can't believe that there are 6.5 million DOMESTIC jobs in that industry. I would love to see real numbers.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

So?

[Woodman]

I did all my cell numbers as well just for good measure. Wait until they start text messaging random cell numbers now that most people have the capability with newer phones.

[oldironsides]

One of my offspring worked in Delaware for such a telemarketing group during her school years. This was an experience for her. Large companies hire this type of service to increase the cutomer base. Some people do buy from a telemarketer. She found people on the other end of the phone to be mostly polite and nice. Many did listen to what she said about a large auto insurance company. The industry employs lots of students working through school.
It will hurt the business. They will just have to find a way around it and branch out into other areas. ? Internet? :>)

[lonestar]

Me thinks its just a matter of time before the telemarketers find a way to access cell phone numbers.

It's happening already. And car phones.

[Gorzaloon]

The expression you received probably matched the expression I received when the RS clerk realized that the phone number I had been giving them was the one to THIER OWN STORE!

Ohh, I wish I had thought of that!! Of COURSE you can be reached there! After all, you were standing RIGHT THERE!

[Gorzaloon]

It will hurt the business. They will just have to find a way around it and branch out into other areas. ? Internet? :>)

Yes. We call it spam.

[Gorzaloon]

I really can't believe that there are 6.5 million DOMESTIC jobs in that industry. I would love to see real numbers.

Of course there aren't.

Just DMA Scare tactics.

Rule 1: Spammers Lie.

[js1138]

But, from what I've been reading, the registry doesn't apply to non-profit and political organizations, which account for the majority of my unwanted, dinner-time interruptions.

What really ticks me off are calls that show up on callerid as POLICE, and turn out to be fund raisers. "Hello, I'm raising money for xxx police sponsored charity. If you contribute, we might show up the next time you call, and might treat you with courtesy the next time we stop you on the road."

[Redleg Duke]

If they are trying to make be feel responsible for the loss of jobs in the anoyance industry, they didn't do a very good job.

I registered our home and cell phones yesterday and completed it today.

[Jhoffa_]

I just signed up and signed my parents also...

Free at last, free at last!

Hally-Loo-Yah!

[sweetliberty]

The telemarketers will only have to check the list every 3 months for numbers to not call. That is why, at the sign up site, it says that you can expect results depending on the times you sign up. You can sign up any time, but it will probably be 3 months before you start to notice a change.

[muggs]

The only depressing part is that those boiler room operations that solicit money for firemen and police departments but actually only give them a miniscule percentage of the take will probably fall under the "charitable" exception to the do-not-call list.

When I get those calls, I always let the person go through their whole speech, then I ask them if I make a donation exactly how much will the organization receive. They are required to tell you if you ask. It's usually only 10-20%. I then act outraged and tell them how stupid it would be for me to make a donation if such a small amount would go to the police or fire department. I figure if they can waste my time I will waste their time.

[muggs]

I registered right before I saw this thread, maybe 10 minutes ago, just checked my e-mail and the confirming messages (2) were there.

[agrace]

If I feel like being a smart ass, I'll reply, "I'm flattered, but I'm dating someone."

LOL!

[demkicker]

Thanks for the info :)

[spectre]

I didn't receive an e-mail confirmation either...registered in the early AM yesterday.

I just went back and re-registered. Let's see what happens now..

sw

[liberalnot]

something had to be done.

i can't even contact my family sometimes. they live out of state. they live in a state with telephone "service" by qwest. one of the principals of qwest was just fined $6 million by the feds. actually, he belongs in jail.