How many times have we received a phone call saying we have won something or are entitled to a free trial of a new product? Free or not, telemarketers are calling for the purpose of signing up new customers for the company they represent. As consumers it is very difficult to make an informed decision during one phone call. Consequently, these calls are received with apprehension. Do you want to take the time to listen to this sales pitch? Will you have time to cancel the product after the free trial period is over? Do you need what this person is offering? Since these calls frequently occur during the dinner hour, or while you are busy doing something else it would be nice to stop the calls before they interrupt your evening.

This is what happened to Sharon White when a telemarketer called to tell her she had won a vacation package to the Caribbean. All she had to do was to purchase some magazines and if her prize number was drawn, she would win. Well she said no thank you and the caller kept talking with another interruption she said, “No, I am not interested” and hung up. This is a common occurrence nowadays because there are many companies competing for our business.

One way to protect yourself from unwanted phone calls from telemarketers is to write to the Direct Marketing Association?s National Do-Not-Call list, requesting that your name be added to their list. Send your letter to: Telephone Preference Section, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11734-9014. Unfortunately, each request is valid for only one year so calls may resume after the one-year time period is up.

Another strategy for handling these unwanted phone calls is provided by the National Fraud Information Center (NFIC). NFIC has a list of recommendations for consumers who wish to take action against pesky telemarketers:

Ask the caller to place your name on their “do not call” list. You should also ask the caller if his employer conducts telemarketing for any other companies. If they do, you should request to have your name placed on all of their do-not-call lists. If you have multiple phone lines, be sure to tell the caller to include those phone numbers as well.

Write down the information about the call including date and time, the company?s name, address, phone number, the caller?s name and the name of his supervisor.

Follow up after the phone call with a letter repeating your request. This shows proof of your request, so keep a copy for your records.

If you continue to receive calls from the same telemarketing company you have the right to sue them in small claims court. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Public Law 102-243 allows the consumer to sue for their actual monetary damages, or $500 per violation, whichever is greater.

Companies may wish to settle the case after you file a lawsuit because they wish to avoid the hassle of defending itself in court. A monetary settlement is an effective way to stop unwanted phone calls.

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state?s Attorney General?s Office.