If you signed up on the National DO NOT CALL LIST This is for you.

snopes.com ^

[Texas Mom]

I just recieved this from a friend and am passing it along:

Subject: FW: a way around the "do not call" law!

FYI- another let's-see-who-I-can-scam-today deal sent to me by a friend...

Received this from a retired Judge friend of mine and it is shocking to see how creative that marketing folks can be.

This is to all of you that signed up for the "do not call" law.

This week I received a card in the mail that looked alright-- It said "vote for your favorite cola - Pepsi or Coke- and receive a complementary 12 pack" It didn't look suspicious--but for some reason I kept looking at it.

THEN I FOUND IT !!

At the bottom of the card there is a VERY small statement. It is SO small it is hard to read--but here is what it says---- "By completing this form, you agree that sponsors and co-sponsors of this offer may telephone you , even if your number is found on a do not call registry or list "

This REALLY upset me and I just wanted all my friends to be aware of this way to get around the "do not call" law !! Just think how many people will send this in and their do not call registry will be NO GOOD !!

The company's name is MARKET SOLUTION.

Please send this to all your friends that signed up for " do not call" . I think this is just one of what we will get in the future--so READ EVERYTHING before you SIGN AND SEND !! AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT IT!!!! PLEASE !!!

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/pending/callscam.asp

Of course, I had to look this up. Found this on Snopes: No doubt companies will attempt to claim that a completed survey form or sweepstakes entry constitutes a request for information. And if you answer a survey that asks you about six different brands or types of products, you might very well be putting yourself back on multiple telemarketing lists. We suspect we're going to see a number of smooth moves over the next few months as firms that engage in telemarketing of their products work to find ways to lure consumers back onto their call lists. Along with surveys and sweepstakes, we're expecting to see a number of "Free stuff!" offers hit the table as businesses attempt re-establish their telemarketing lists by giving away free product and claiming the recipients have "purchased" goods from them. We also expect this is going to go on until the government puts its foot down and clarifies what constitutes a "request for information" or a "purchase." For the time being, those desirous of staying out of the clutches of telemarketers might do well to remember that "Something for nothing" never is. Read more here...

SNOPES

[Texas Mom]

It's the same thing with email advertizing. Read the small print.

[Texas Mom]

FYI BUMP!

[Tall_Texan]

They have the right to do this under the "previous business associations" exception to the Do Not Call list registry. In other words, if a business says they have some previous business contact with you in the past xx months, they have the right to cold call you.

By giving them your phone number in order to get a freebie, you are making a business association with that company. And if you filled it out with your name and address, you can bet they'll trot that out if you try to report them.

Yes, it's a trick but what did you expect when they offered you something for nothing?

[Shmokey]

I'd like to sign up to the do not call me about the do not call list list

[Texas Mom]

Yes, it's a trick but what did you expect when they offered you something for nothing?

It is very rare that I even order from these offers and as the post said it was sent to me by a friend.

I just posted it as a FYI post to tell anyone who might be interested.

[this_ol_patriot]

Old trick, new dog. State and County fairs are notorious for this. Sign up for all the prizes and freebies in the exhibit hall and spend the next 6 months fending off gravestone, vibrating chair, spring water, mobile home, sewing machine, organ and log cabin salesmen. I'll bet this clause joins the sales call clause in barely readable fine print on the back of the prize form.

[Texas Mom]

I'll bet this clause joins the sales call clause in barely readable fine print on the back of the prize form.

You bet.. No one gives away anything for nothing..

[this_ol_patriot]

Just tell them you'll take all they have but you're out of work so you don't know when you can pay them. That usually shuts them up for awhile.

[FairOpinion]

"They have the right to do this under the "previous business associations" exception to the Do Not Call list registry. In other words, if a business says they have some previous business contact with you in the past xx months, they have the right to cold call you."

---
No, actually this new bill repealed that excemption. I just received a letter from a professional organization, of which I am a member, telling me that the restrictions apply to faxes also, and even to organization providing announcements to its own members via fax and request that I sign and send/fax back authorization, so they can continue to inform me of events, etc. If I don't specifically authorize them to call me and/or fax me, they aren't allow to do so under the new rules.

I think this part of the bill went too far.

[thegreatbeast]

There's nothing wrong with this. Caveat emptor.

[Octar]

I don't like to "sign up" for things.
The telemarketers don't bother me, I have my answering machine on most of the time and they never leave messages.
When I answer a call, I hang up if I don't recognize the voice. If it is important, they'll call back.
I never understood these people who complain " I couldn't get away from them, they kept me on the phone forever".
Just hang up.
Geez.

[Tall_Texan]

I don't think that's correct. It may have altered what constitutes a business relationship but if you've filled out a little card and foolishly put your phone number on it requesting additional information or entry into a contest, etc., you are establishing a business relationship. Why would they do this if not for the porpose of trying to sell something to you?

[Tall_Texan]

When I answer a call, I hang up if I don't recognize the voice. If it is important, they'll call back. I never understood these people who complain " I couldn't get away from them, they kept me on the phone forever". Just hang up.

I have an answering machine and I have Called ID but it is still annoying for the phone to ring and make the effort to be near the phone in case it's a call you need to take. And more and more legit calls (mostly folks with cell phones) show up with no number like the telemarketers generally do.

I agree about hanging up. I've learned to be very terse with them and just hang up while they are babbling away but just ringing can be a nuisance, particularly if you are cooking, eating or trying to keep young children quiet.

[FairOpinion]

"I don't think that's correct."

I was looking at my letter, when I was writing my post.

"if you've filled out a little card and foolishly put your phone number on it requesting additional information or entry into a contest, etc., you are establishing a business relationship."

This is different, because I am sure in the fine print it will say that you are giving them permission to call you and give your phone number to others, etc.

I think it all has to be done all over, even if you had a previous business relationship. I have been a member of the professional organization for years and they apparently felt they need to get a new permission, so they can fax me or call me -- which is a hassle for organization and their members.

It said:

" The FCC has also adapted restriction, including restrictions on fax transmissions. One ofthose restrictions will prevent any trade organization, from providing its members with any announcements that could be construed as advertising. Since the term is defined extremellyl broady, it woud include announcements regarding educationaprograms, new products, training, membership application renewal and other communications that ater typicaly exchanged between the Association and its members. An examption exists if express consesnt is given to send these announcements.

Unless these rules are delayed, they will go into effect on Aug. 25, 2003, and we will not be able to forward any more announcements regarding training, products or anything that involve a fee, without your express written and signed consent.

If you want these announcements to continue,you must fill out this form and return it to us before Aug. 25, 2003"

[Tall_Texan]

I think this is two different things. The National Do Not Call registry does not take effect until October. Also, there have already been established federal laws about advertising by fax machine, since the faxer is wasting more than just your time - they are wasting your paper.

There was a time when "blast faxing" was done as a means of advertising. It was like telemarketing except all their calls were to fax machines. Business hollered because they were wasting a lot of paper on unnecessary ads they did not solicit. And businesses can get Congress' attention faster than private citizens. So this was legislated against quite some time ago. The National Do Not Call list is so new, it hasn't even begun yet.

I'm not sure one policy has anything at all to do with the other.

[FairOpinion]

"I think this is two different things. "

---

I guess you are right. I just looked on the donotcall.gov website and they say that is administered by the FTC, and this letter I got refers to the FCC.

I need to find out more what is what and which is which.

[Russian Sage]

I just recieved this from a friend and am passing it along:
Subject: FW: a way around the "do not call" law!
FYI- another let's-see-who-I-can-scam-today deal sent to me by a friend...
Received this from a retired Judge friend of mine and it is shocking to see how creative that marketing folks can be.
This is to all of you that signed up for the "do not call" law.

I tend to doubt the veracity of anything that has five introductions...

[blondee123]

Thanks for the info! I'll pass it along.

[G.Mason]

Mutch to do about nothing.

If one is old enough to vote and still believe in "something for nothing" their greed and ignorance will turn and bite them.

It used to be that children needed this type of protection because of their immaturity.

Now, it would seem, the entire nation needs governmental protection from the "big bad wolves".

[Texas Mom]

When you sound asleep because you worked all night and the phone rings and its a telemarketer that ringing is going to wake you up. Even if you let the answering machine get it.

The thing is I pay for the phone for my convenience, NOT someone elses.