In response to
inquiries about reducing unwanted calls, mail and e-mail, below are websites
and numbers to call to help address this problem.
Using your phone wisely can reduce unwanted callers: Use caller ID before answering calls. If it’s an 800 number, "private
caller," or a name or number you don’t recognize, let the answering machine pick
up.
If you are receiving “phantom calls,” no one is on the line when you answer
the phone, chances are it’s a “robot call." The day and time you picked up the phone is filed away so
that a telemarketer will know when you are home and likely to answer the phone.
Another variation of this is the “one-ring” scam. The phone rings once and
hangs up. Out of curiosity, many will call back unknowingly to a premium rate number that connects to anything from
advertising, to music, to would-be psychics, and even
pornography. The longer you stay on the line, the more charges rack
up on your phone bill, and the scammers receive part of this money.
According to the
Federal Trade Commission, you can stop unsolicited calls, mail and e-mail in the following manner:
Don’t
want to receive prescreened offers of credit and insurance, you can a) opt
out of receiving them for five years by calling 1-800-567-8688 or going to www.optoutprescreen.com or b) opt out
permanently by going to online www.optoutprescreen.com and completing your
request. You must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will
be provided after you initiate your online request.
Stop Telemarketers: The federal
government's National Do Not Call Registry is a free, easy way to reduce the
telemarketing calls you get at home. To register your phone number or to get
information about the registry, visit www.donotcall.gov, or call
1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register.
Stop Unsolicited Mail
& E-Mail: The Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS)
lets you opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many national
companies for five years. When you register with this service, your name will
be put on a "delete" file and made available to direct-mail marketers
and organizations. This will reduce most of your unsolicited mail. However,
your registration will not stop mailings from organizations that do not use the
DMA's Mail Preference Service.
To register with DMA's Mail Preference Service, go to www.dmachoice.org The DMA also has an Email Preference Service
(eMPS) to help you reduce unsolicited commercial emails. To opt out of
receiving unsolicited commercial email from DMA members, visit www.dmachoice.org. Registration is free and good for six years.
Another option is registering with Catalog Choice, a free service to opt
out of catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, phone books, circulars and
more.
Reducing Mail and
Phone Appeals from Charities: Because many charities and non profits are not part
of the DMA list, you will continue to receive unwanted solicitation. Consider
the following:
• Only donate to charities with a demonstrated commitment to donor
privacy.
• The more small donations you give to charities, the more begging letters
you will receive. Keep in mind that a $25 donation barely covers their expenses
so to recoup costs, they sell your name. Instead, give larger donations to a
few charities. The larger the gift the less likely your name will be passed on.
• Give anonymously.
• When you give money to a charity or nonprofit group enclose a note
requesting that the organization not rent, sell or exchange your name, address
and giving history with anyone else. A number of charities have “opt out”
features. Make sure you check that box.
• Call or mail the charity letting them know that if they continue to
make unsolicited contact you will no longer support them.
• First class mail can be returned unopened with “deceased” written across
the envelope.
• Don’t open the letters depositing them directly into the Zero Sort pile.
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