Telemarketing Industry Sues Over Do-Not-Call List

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[chance33_98]

Telemarketing Industry Sues Over Do-Not-Call List

POSTED: 1:52 p.m. EDT July 28, 2003

WASHINGTON -- The telemarketing industry is widening its legal challenge to the government's national do-not-call list.

The industry is suing a second federal agency over the call-blocking service, which telemarketers say will ruin their business and put up to 2 million people out of work.

An industry group had sued the Federal Trade Commission in January to try to stop the list. Now it's asking a federal court to reject new rules set by the Federal Communications Commission.

The FCC added its authority to the list to close regulatory loopholes and block calls from certain industries -- including airlines, banks and telephone companies.

The head of the American Teleservices Association calls the government agencies' actions "regulatory overkill."

Beginning in September, telemarketers will have to check the list every three months to see who doesn't want to be called. Firms could be fined up to $11,000 per violation.

The toll-free number to call to join the Do Not Call list is (888) 382-1222.

To register online, visit DoNotCall.gov

[lowbridge]

bump for later

[discostu]

They're starting to. Right now I think there's only one company that calls Tucson that has their system setup to leave messages, doubtless it will spread.

[AbnSarge]

Actually, they ARE leaving messages now. I get 4 or 5 a week from "___, checking back about ______", or some other inane "sorry I missed you" spiel.

I have gotten so sick of them disturbing my peace, waking the baby, etc.

[dead]

I do a kick out of being rude to the callers.

I like it too, but sometimes I’m too quick on the insults and hanging up.

My brother’s alarm company had to call me back and tell me that they didn’t want to bite me, as I previously suggested. They wanted to let me know that his alarm was going off and the police had been sent to check it out.

I also got a call back from the guy who was supposed to deliver a futon I had purchased, and just needed to set up a time. It’s not my fault he mumbled.

[Nubbytwanger]

Massachusetts DNC list started July 1. It is just heaven--90% reduction in the calls we're getting. No way this law is being overturned.

[AbnSarge]

The trial lawyers suing on behalf of the telemarketers - could it get any more annoying?

[AbnSarge]

The trial lawyers suing on behalf of the telemarketers - could it get any more annoying?

[OldFriend]

So the phones have stopped ringing and the inbox is filling up with all the junk mail.........

Frankly, I'd rather have the calls and have the satisfaction of hanging up........this email stuff is driving me crazy.

[Alouette]

put up to 2 million people out of work.

Mostly in Bombay, Calcutta and New Delhi.

[gorush]

"Interesting that the government has not also created a national "do not junk mail" list. Don't suppose that it is because the government post office makes money on each and every piece of junk mail."

I beleive that the distinction here is that my mail box is actually a government site (in spite of the fact that this box will be paid for by me, it's design and placement are per government decree). My phone and phone service is a convenience for which I pay. I own my phone and I own my car...most people understand that they have no right to use my car unless I so state.

[Bonaparte]

"The industry is suing a second federal agency over the call-blocking service, which telemarketers say will ruin their business and put up to 2 million people out of work."

Organized crime sues federal government over RICO statute, claiming it will ruin their business and put millions of lawbreakers out of work.

[Tamzee]

Good to hear and, though I feel sorry for any folks losing jobs, I'm glad the annoying businesses are going under.

I joined the Pennsylvania Do-Not-Call list last year and it has been wonderful :-)

[Bonaparte]

"So some nameless corporations don't want to recognize my right to free association? Too bad for them!"

Right. When a bonded door-to-door salesmen walks a neighborhood, he is absolutely forbidden to knock if a "no soliciting" sign is posted. The Do Not Call List is exactly the same as a "no soliciting" sign.

[Skooz]

a futon?

[Conservababe]

And so everyone on this thread so far thinks that the state and federal government making laws against telemarketers is just fine and dandy.

I don't.

But, then I never answer my telephone or doorbell just because someone rings, even before answering machines or caller ID.

I just manage my life as I see fit, therefore I am not a victim of those terrible people who call on my listed phone number.

Conservatives have become crybabies who want to give more power to the government, it seems. Did it ever occur to yall that as soon as state and federal government get control of unwanted and nuicance calls for you victims, they will soon start taxing this service?

[ladtx]

Sometimes I like to let them ramble on, wasting a lot of time, I don't interrupt or get rude I just keep saying OK, uh-huh, etc. then when they finish their spiel I just hang up.

[armymarinemom]

I wish they could come up with a "no peace jerk at my event" list.

[Tall_Texan]

Maybe the Supreme Court can find a penumbra in the Constitution that guarantees their Constitutional right to menace.

I believe in capital punishment for the crimes of rape, murder and telemarketing.

[PurVirgo]

We've got Sprin't Privacy ID too, if an "unavailable" or "out of area" number calls, they are redirected to an automated service that makes them say their name, before I get the ring.

I love it - and if friends or family have a cell phone and need to talk to me, I have a PIN they can use to bypass the whole thing.

Best thing since popcorn if you ask me

[dogbyte12]

As I have said before on other threads on this before, these jerks have done it to themselves.

They dial numbers at random, without reverse directory usage to see addresses and annoy you needlessly.

When I lived in an apartment, my address ended in #205. If they bothered to check, I am in the book, they would have seen that there wasn't a point to ask me about buying siding, gardening service, roofing, refinancing, etc.

They were lazy. It was easier to just call people at random, then to target their advertising.

It would be like somebody barraging Nascar fans with french cheese commercials, and Al Sharpton campaign ads. It costs alot of money to put a commercial on tv, so the companies that do so, put the ad where their target audience is going to be watching. Telemarketing on the other hand, works through the principle of bombardment. Pay somebody minimum wage, and 1 out of 100 people won't be irate, and they will buy our crap.