Consumer Affairs FAQ

12. Under the Federal Trade Commission's Telemarketing Sales Rule, all consumers have to do to exercise their right to stop a telemarketer from calling is ask to have their name removed from their list. If telemarketers disregard this request, they can be liable to you for $500 should you choose to sue them.

Other FTC Telemarketing Sales Rules include the following:

• Calling times are restricted to the hours between 8 am and 9 pm.
• Telemarketers must tell you it's a sales call and who is doing the selling before they make their pitch.
• If it's a prize promotion, they must tell you that no purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win. If you are asked to pay for a prize, hang up.
• Telemarketers must tell you the total cost of the products or services offered and any restrictions on getting or using them, or that a sale is final or non-refundable, before you pay.
• It is illegal for a telemarketer to withdraw money from your checking account without your express, verifiable authorization.