How to Stop telemarketers from calling

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

You Will Need

* Caller ID

* Bluntness

* Disconnected phone message

* Letter-writing skills

* Registry on the Do Not Call list

* Internet access (optional)

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.

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.

Register at www.donotcallregistry.com

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.