How to Stop Telemarketers from Calling

If you want to stop telemarketers from calling, use this guide and try a multi-pronged approach.

Step 1: Use your ID feature Purchase a phone with a caller ID feature. Let any unrecognized calls go to voice mail. If it's important, they will leave a message and you can call back.
Step 2: Answer the call Answer the call but cut them off and say: "I'm not interested." If they ask for a person, even you, tell them they're not home and won't be for a long time.
Step 3: Fake them out Use the phone company's message about disconnected numbers. Hearing this, the autodialing telemarketing company may remove you from their rotation. These recordings can be found online.
TIP: Online sites offer telemarketer tracking software.
Step 4: Call them Call the company to directly notify them to cease and desist. Send a certified letter with the same message to drive the point home.
Step 5: Get put on Do Not Call list State clearly: "Put me on your Do Not Call list." They are required by law to honor this for 10 years. Request a written copy of this policy from them, which the law obligates them to provide.
TIP: Register at www.donotcall.gov.
Step 6: Ask for respect Interrupt their spiel and ask them to be respectful of your privacy. Be polite though -- after all, they need their job, and are not the ones orchestrating the invasion.
FACT: Telemarketers may only call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.