Telescum obtain their calling lists whereever they can, but "targeted" lists are most valuable. Since there are only a limited number of people providing their correct number for contests and promotions, the numbers come from other sources of home phone numbers. With the (US) Federal "donotcall" List coming into effect in October, expect these "business contact" lists to be used almost exclusively!

Before You Start

Gather a list of people who may have you on their database. A month's worth of bills will do. (Sorry, you don't need to buy any power tools for this project!)

The Strategy

Make sure most listings of your home number point to a fax number or perhaps an offending business.

1. Identify businesses which list your home phone number.
2. Identify a fax number. This will also be used as an account identifier, such as for casual customer accounts. (For example, dry cleaners with Markman ticketing systems use these.) The fax number on your business card is excellent because it's readily accessible.
3. better yet.. - Keep a couple of working pay phone numbers in your wallet for the purpose. (Many pay phones don't receive calls, so you need to verify them with a cellphone. If someone asks you what you're doing, make up a story like, "I'm writing down the number so I can give it to telemarketers.")
4. For businesses which may have occasion to get in touch with you, give them a work number, even if the "work" number you give is really your home number. (Include an extension, such as 202-123-4567 x12, so your number doesn't end up on a predictive dialing queue anyway.)
5. Use your new "home" number (fax number) at every opportunity. I even tell the clerk who's collecting the number what I am doing and why.
6. Use the new "home" number for promotions, (multiple) supermarket customer-tracking cards, etc.

"800" Calls to Existing Accounts

Inbound autoresponders that request an account number without further identification may be adding the caller's number to a database. If your number is confidential, change the last few digits of the account number.

The Project

Call every account you have to "update" the information with the "new" phone number. This includes accounts which claim not to sell your name.

The FRCA (US) provides for an "opt out" procedure for the purpose of blocking credit reporting agencies from releasing marketing data.
1-888-567-8688 . This "opt out" procedure must be renewed every 5 years. (This was previously every 2 years.)

That's It!

If you get a call from someone you're doing business with, call back to "update" their records. That should flush their list. Remember, there is no such thing as a "courtesy" call from a business to a residence.

Hanging up does not work!
back to Counter-Telemarketing Tactics - (this site)

originally posted 14-july-01   rev September 16, 2007 Stan Protigal   webspace courtesy Seattle Community Network