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

[PhiKapMom]

The telemarketers really want to irritate us don't they?

I signed up the first day and am signed up to our State "Do Not Call List" as well. If an "Unavailable" comes on my phone, it does not get answered! We have a button that when pushed tells the caller we don't take that kind of call.

If I want to buy something, I will contact them -- I don't need any telemarketer contacting me!

[Cultural Jihad]

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

[MizSterious]

I suppose the next thing they'll be doing is suing me for refusing to answer my phone when they call. Since when does someone have the right to intrude on my privacy so they can hawk their aluminum siding, cheesy magazine subscriptions, and carpet cleaning services? (Hint, people: I do not do business with people who disturb my dinner.)

[Onelifetogive]

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.

[spoiler2]

Perhaps the American Teleservices Association needs a class-action suit against it's "advertising overkill" practices.

[ladtx]

Same here. I have never in my life bought anything over the phone, and stopped charitable contributions over the phone years ago and I still get calls. I don't like the calls but I do a kick out of being rude to the callers. Guess it's my old age grouchiness coming out.

[Political Junkie Too]

They are going to try to regulate the spam email in the internet as a way to get their foot in the door to then say they need to tax the internet to support the regulatory efforts.

-PJ

[mhking]

The industry is suing a second federal agency over the call-blocking service, which telemarketers say will ruin their business

Ruin their business? Works for me.

Just damn.

If you want on the new list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[RightWhale]

Here we have an expansion of ethics to cover a situation created by new tech. Is it proper to assail people with offers while they are going to work or mowing the lawn? In the same way, the capability to copy commercial intellectual property such as books and music recordings has been affected by new tech and ethics is being expanded to cover this as well. New tech does not imply freedom from moral judgement.

[bedolido]

Makes perfect sense! Unfortunately.

[GSWarrior]

Caller ID and a well-positioned speaker blasting out some heavy metal seems to work for me.

[Tailback]

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.

Good point, who do I call to get such a list started? Maybe ELF could sign onto that to save the trees?

[discostu]

Also because you don't pay to receive junk mail.

[Lost Highway]

I don't answer the phone. Anyone that really knows me or needs to talk to me will leave a message. Telemarketers never do.

[TrebleRebel]

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.

My heart bleeds, particularly for the poor prison trustees who are contracted to make all of those tele-sales.

[mhking]

It works wonders...

[The Great RJ]

I can't beleive that the products and services being pitched by telemarketers make any money for anyone other than the companies doing the calling. How many cemetery lots, window replacements or credit cards do you sell by making cold calls to people at random? I would be shocked if even 1% of the calls made actually resulted in a sale.

[moehoward]

"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."

 

Big difference here.
Your phone is a service you pay for. So telemarketers are in a way stealing from you when they use your service at your expense.
Mail is a service they pay for.

[orchid]

Last week I received a call from a carpet cleaning service. At the end of the message, a female voice said "if you want to be REMOVED from the do not call list, enter your phone number now." It seems as though some telemarketers are hoping that you will misinterpret this message and inadvertantly remove your number from the list. BE CAREFUL!