Fewer Junk Calls?

[MaryS]

I use my caller ID to avoid those pesky phone solicitors. I used to get quite a few every day. Suddenly, theyve dropped W-A-Y down. Clecked teh call log on my home phone and there hasn't been one since July 31. Wonder what's going on.

Has anybody else noticed this?

[PrivateSmiles]

I use my caller ID to avoid those pesky phone solicitors. I used to get quite a few every day. Suddenly, theyve dropped W-A-Y down. Clecked teh call log on my home phone and there hasn't been one since July 31. Wonder what's going on.

Has anybody else noticed this?

Hmmmmm, I almost never get those. Have had the same home # since 1990, with QWest. My # is listed in the book (first initial only). I've never had caller ID. I imagine we are on the same "do not call" lists. I wonder if the difference is the states that we live in, CA & WA, although I don't why that would be.

[Syncopate]

I don't get the ones from the credit card company or going without an extended warranty on a car,
but the carpet cleaners are still out in full force.

[Beckron]

I have noticed it too Mary. In fact, I even turned my privacy director off.

[Elise]

I was thinking the same thing about a week ago, I guess someone got the hint that the whole country was pissed.lol

[Vince P]

I was thinking the same thing about a week ago, I guess someone got the hint that the whole country was pissed.lol

Elise,

I find your signage (Girls Rule, Boys Drool) rather sexist, demeaning and insulting, even though I agree with it.

Please alter it or I’m gonna report you to the appropriate authorities.

Vince P

[Elise]

Elise,

I find your signage (Girls Rule, Boys Drool) rather sexist, demeaning and insulting, even though I agree with it.

Please alter it or I’m gonna report you to the appropriate authorities.

Vince P[/quote]

Bite me!!!! Is that better?? Cause I do aim to please the men folk, being that I am such a shy and retiring southern girl ya know!!

[DegenerationX]

Still the college alumni Association calls for me to "Man Up" and give them some money. I used to like the school too until I had to work there for a year and learned what a horrible place the inner workings had become.

[MaryS]

Think we may have the answer --

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-r ... 4104.story

FTC to disconnect unwanted 'robocalls'
Prerecorded calls pitching goods and services are banned starting Tuesday, unless a consumer gives written permission. Calls by politicians, charities and certain businesses are OK.

By Sherine El Madany

August 28, 2009

The Federal Trade Commission is sending most of those pesky "robocalls" to the junk heap starting Tuesday.

Such prerecorded commercial calls offering services and products such as carpet cleaning or car warranties will be a thing of the past unless telemarketers have written permission from consumers that they want to receive these calls, the commission said Thursday. Violators will face penalties of up to $16,000 per call.

"American consumers have made it crystal clear that few things annoy them more than the billions of commercial telemarketing robocalls they receive every year," Chairman Jon Leibowitz said in a statement. Previously, telemarketers had to tell consumers how to opt out of receiving robocalls.

There are a few exceptions, though. The commission will exempt calls that aren't trying to sell goods and services to consumers; that category would include debt collections and those providing information, such as flight cancellations and delivery notices.

Other calls not covered include those from politicians, charities that contact consumers directly, banks, insurers, phone companies, surveys and certain healthcare messages such as prescription notifications. The commission doesn't have jurisdiction over them.

Calls made by humans rather than automated systems also will be allowed unless the phone number is on the National Do Not Call Registry.

Consumers who receive an unauthorized call can file complaints with the commission online at http://www.ftc.gov or by calling (877) FTC-HELP.

"If consumers think they're being harassed by robocallers," Leibowitz said, "they need to let us know, and we will go after them."

sherine.elmadany@latimes.com