How to stop telemarketers

by Alexandra Middleton | 30 Jul 2013

There’s nothing more frustrating than answering the phone just as you are sitting down to dinner and finding a telemarketer on the end of the line.

At times it almost feels like they have a sixth sense that alerts them the moment you don’t want to be disturbed. The good news is that you can stop telemarketers from being able to call your mobile or home phone.   

The Australian Government runs a Do Not Call register, which is a secure database where you can list your phone numbers to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls and marketing faxes.  Registering for this service is quick and easy and can be done online at www.donotcall.gov.au or by calling 1300 792 958.

It is free to register and there is no limit to the amount of numbers an individual can have listed. Your numbers will remain on the register for a period of five years, following which you will need to renew your registration in the same way you originally signed up.

The service is effective, as telemarketers who do not adhere to the Do Not Call listing will be severely penalised. In the event a telemarketer does contact you, a complaint can be lodged via the Do Not Call website or phone number.

However, it is important to note that it takes 30 days following your registration for telemarketers to stop contacting you.  If you have consented to certain groups calling you then these parties will still be able to make contact without incurring penalties. There are also groups that are exempt from the register, which means they will continue to be able to call. These include charities, research companies, political parties and educational institutions. Once registered you can opt out at any time, either online or by phone.

An additional function of the Do Not Call website is to alert consumers to telemarketing scams. In the past these scams have included telemarketers claiming to be calling from the Do Not Call register to alert individuals that they are entitled to compensation. This is then followed by a request that the individual transfer money into a bank account in order to access the compensation.

These scammers have also been known to make contact via email as well as by phone. If you are suspicious of a caller you can report them to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission online at www.scamwatch.gov.au or by calling 1300 795 995.

Do Not Call register
Website: www.donotcall.gov.au
Phone: 1300 792 958

ACCC Scamwatch
Website: www.scamwatch.gov.au
Phone: 1300 795 995