Are you still getting unwanted calls?  Did you register your number on the National Do Not Call List?  Did you know there is an expiry date?

I have been getting really annoyed lately by the weekly calls asking to check my ducts or fix my computer, so I thought I would check out the Do Not Call Registry.  I decided to go ahead and register again, at which time I saw confirmation that I HAD registered back in 2008.  That’s when I saw the expiry date of 2015.  It allowed me to Extend my registration, which I happily did, to 2021.

Then I thought I would double check who is still allowed to make random calls.  There are basically five groups who are still allowed to make ‘house calls’; Canadian Registered Charities, Political Parties, Survey Conductors and Newspapers.  And then, of course, those companies that you’ve done business with in the past little while who then have consent to contact you.   But that’s a pretty small list.  What can I do about the annoying calls that don’t fall into those categories?  It looks like I have three choices.  I can ask the caller to add me to their internal Do Not Call registry.  I can file a complaint against the telemarketer calling.  Or I can stop answering my phone! 

When you look at the big picture, getting the odd unwanted phone call isn’t the end of the world.  It takes a second or two to say no thanks, and I find I have to hang up on the occasional caller.  It’s really not a huge deal.  Now that I have confirmed that my number is on the list and that I’m good for the next seven years, I’m ready for the next call!

Have you had any bad experiences with telemarketers?  Have you ever turned the tables on a caller and had them hang up on YOU?  We’d love to hear your comments.   You can always reach Christie at christie@weberteam.ca or by cell at 705-220-1152, or John at john@weberteam.ca or by cell at 705-727-6111.