The Federal Do Not Call List is the best way to avoid telemarketing calls. But it is not the only way. And even when you sign up for the list, it may be a few months until companies are required to remove your number. Finally, the Do Not Call List does not protect you from companies that have an "existing business relationship" with you. So, you still need to know all your rights.  Here are four powerful tools to reduce the number of junk calls to your home and to force telemarketers to pay every time they call you.

1: Hurt them financially 

   Whenever you receive an unwelcome phone call, ALWAYS ask to be placed on the company's internal Do Not Call list and ask that the company send you a copy of their "Do Not Call" policy.  By law, they are required to provide this "on demand" and your request forces them to spend time, money, and postage. It also sets them up for possible legal action (read on).  

2: Make them spend time with you 

     We suggest printing out our 4-Question Anti-telemarketing script and keeping it by the phone. Refusal to answer the questions on this list makes the company liable for up to $500 per question under the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act.  

3: Document the violations    

    If the offending company does not send you a copy of their Do Not Call policy in writing within 30 days of your request, we want to know. Your complaints help us develop profiles of the worst companies. The information you provide allows us to take action against the worst violators, and is often used as evidence in legal proceedings. 

   If a company contacts you more than once in a 12-month period after you have asked to be placed on their Do Not Call list, you can take them to Small Claims Court for at least $500 in damages. For more information, use our do-it-yourself guide to taking telemarketers to Small Claims Court.  

   In addition, if you are harassed by pre-recorded phone messages on your answering machine, you can participate in our pre-recorded phone message project.  

   Telemarketers also have been falsely posing as non-profit organizations, which are exempt from most do-not call rules. If a company claims they are exempt, but you are suspicious, we want to know. The Federal Trade Commission has already taken action against at least one telemarketer that misrepresented itself as a non-profit.   

4: Visit the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse 

   UCAN's nationally recognized affiliate, the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, has just updated FACT SHEET #5  How to Have a Quiet Evening at Home - a powerful tool for helping you protect yourself from obnoxious, unsolicited phone calls.