Annoyed with Telemarketers: Some Advice

Dear Blog Visitors:

Having been retired from my full-time position for two weeks, I can honestly say that I made the right choice. I find that I now have the freedom to pursue my passions/interests, and have even begun the process of interviewing for part-time jobs.

While I have been home the past couple weeks, I have noticed how often telemarketers and fundraisers call on the phone. It was annoying enough getting calls during the evening hours. However, the frequency of the calls during the day have been more than annoying, to the point of being downright obnoxious.

I was inspired to make the video posted above. What I tried to do was give viewers some basic advice on how to both screen and discourage telemarketers and fundraisers.

As explained in the video, I fully realize that telemarketers are trying to make an income and fundraisers are trying to solicit funds for worthy causes. However, to the person on the receiving end of the calls, especially when the frequency is unacceptable, the solicitations are enough to cause serious consideration of phone disconnections.

If you are fed up with the steady stream of telemarketing that interferes with your daily lives, there is an option provided by the Federal Government. It is the national 'do not call' registry. The on-line address is www.donotcall.gov and the phone number is 1-888-382-1222. You can register up to three phone numbers, inclusive of both cell and land lines.

I should state that non-profit organizations are exempt from the 'do not call' registry, so they will continue to call. My solution in this case is to simply let your answering machine screen the calls. When I do speak with someone from a non-profit organization, I generally try to be courteous and simply ask that solicitations be done by mail, whereas I can better screen organizations.

I hope my video provides some useful information for you. Please don't allow telemarketers to interrupt your lives.

Peace to all,
Ray