Let's talk about telemarketers first. Sometimes when you subscribe to a magazine, catalog, or book club; etc, you are automatically added to a solicitation list. For this not to happen, it is best to inform the companies that you do not want your name/address or phone number sold to others when you subscribe. Be sure to inform them in writing, keeping a copy for yourself.

How many times have you just gotten out of bed, or sat down to dinner or have been woken up on your day off only to look at your caller ID to find it is an 800 number or worse, a phone number that you don't recognize? You don't have to take it anymore! How many have you actually taken advantage of the "National Do Not Call Registry" here in the States? If you haven't signed up yet, you should! Take back control of your telephone! There ARE laws to protect you. You can sign up HERE

The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at the website. You can also register your home or mobile phone for free.

Also, another step to stop telemarkers and colection agency receiving your phone number, you can have your number unlisted with the phone company, there is a charge for this, of course. One way to not be charged is request that the local phone company publish just your name and phone number and omit your address. Ask the phone company to remove your listing from its "street address directory." This measures help from receiving postal mailings, also.

Collection Agencies

What most collection agencies are counting on is for you to be ignorant of the law. You do have federal rights that allow you to get a collection agency to stop calling you and you do have a right to privacy. The first thing that you need to do is answer the phone and find out which collection agency is calling you and what their contact information is. Getting a correct address is vital. Don't provide any information on repayment of the bill, this could reset your statute of limitations for a lawsuit in some states. Write out a "Cease and Desist" letter. Make sure the letter is typed and clearly states that it is a formal cease and desist letter and you may only be contacted in writing. It is important not to forbid contact at all lest the collection agency, sue you. Please, don't add a signature. Just type your name. A signature can be lifted and applied to documents you have not actually signed. Make 3 copies of your letter, make sure that the letter is dated. Keep one letter for yourself, send one to the Attorney General Office in the state in which you reside, then send one letter to the collection agency Certified Return Receipt Requested. Add a footnote on each letter who the letter is being sent to, so the agency knows that the AG's office also received a copy. You may find a sample "Cease and Desist" letter HERE Now, start answering your phone, again. When they call, make it clear that you mailed a Cease and Desist letter and that your State's Attorney General Office has also received a copy of said letter. The calls should come to an abrupt end.

Just follow these easy steps and enjoy the quiet, again.

When subscribing to magazines, bookclubs, catalogs, etc; mail a remove me from your list letter.

Register and add your phone number(s) to the "National Do Not Call Registry" list.

Stop collection agency in their tracks with a "Cease and Desist" letter.

And remember: Buyer beware!

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