YIKES! What have I done? (telemarketing content)

From running my own business 7 years ago and keeping the same mobile (cell) number I get a lot of marketing calls. I hang up as soon as I realise it’s not a personal call and add the number to a contact I’ve created called “Spam”. Then I can easily screen them next time. Because they will keep calling, for a while at least. Good luck

 

If there's no caller ID, don't answer.

If they'er coming in on your cell, hang up and block the number.

 

Probably, but that number is usually 200+.

 

I had been getting calls for months from an health provider in Long Beach and then San Diego. At first it was calls that hung up so I ignored it for the first half dozen times. After that, I traced the number it went back to one of the name brand conglomerate health providers. I thought I was being telemarketed, so I blocked the number. Then I started getting voicemails - can't block those, apparently. Then the voicemails progressed to missed appointment voicemails for someone named Olga. So I called the HMO to straighten it out, politely, and to ensure that Olga wasn't missing out on the healthcare she needed .

Then I started getting calls again. I had to call back and walk the receptionist through their contact management system to change the number they were using for Olga. Some sort of keyboard dyslexia going on that manifested itself over 20+ phone calls. I live in area code 613. I think San Diego is 619. Egads! Poor Olga, I hope she's OK, the old dear!

 

Is healthcare.gov not an option for them?

 

Well unfortunately that describes almost all “affordable” health insurance. There are many choices and options at all price points via ACA. I was on it for several years and never had anyone calling or emailing me. Big advantages of going that route are not having to give them any health history and not having to deal with sales people. Also if the family has modest income they will probably qualify for monthly subsidies offsetting their premiums.

 

We get 20 to 30 telemarketing and hang up calls a day on our landline. It is to the point of personal harassment. I wish our politicians would address this with the phone companies. The no call register is a joke and completely ignored by telemarketers. Rant over.

 

Try this:

Find out if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

 

Cell Phones and The Do Not Call Registry

May not help now but it's something for the future.
I register all my lines. It seems to help.

 

I followed Stumbo's link to:

... If you receive telemarketing calls after your telephone number has been in the registry for 31 days, you can file a complaint at donotcall.gov or by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). You need to know the date of the call and the company’s name or phone number to file a do not call complaint. A telemarketer who disregards the National Do Not Call Registry could be fined up to $40,000 for each call...

Maybe not enough people follow up with complaining?

 

IIRC, getting calls from companies you've done business with or contacted is not with the framework of the registry.