Register for the National Do Not Call Registry
One of the most straightforward steps you can take is to register your cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which is operated by the Federal Trade Commission. This free service allows you to opt out of receiving sales calls from legitimate national companies. Once your number is on the registry, telemarketers have 31 days to stop calling you.
To register, simply visit donotcall.gov and provide your phone number. You can Malaysia Phone Number register by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. It's important to note that the registry does not block calls from political groups, charities, companies conducting surveys, or companies you already do business with. But it can be very effective at reducing unwanted sales calls.
Use Call Blocking Apps and Services
There are now many apps and services available that can automatically block known telemarketing numbers from getting through to your cell phone. Some popular options include:
Truecaller: This free app uses a crowdsourced database to identify and block spam calls. It also provides caller ID information.
Hiya: Similar to Truecaller, Hiya maintains a constantly updated database of known spam numbers. The basic app is free, with premium features available.
RoboKiller: This $4.99/month service uses "answer bots" to waste telemarketers' time and discourage them from calling your number again.
Nomorobo: For $1.99/month, this service automatically identifies and blocks spam calls before they reach your phone.
These apps and services can be very effective at reducing telemarketing calls, though they may not be able to stop every single one. They're a great supplementary tool to use alongside the National Do Not Call Registry.
Ask Telemarketers to Stop Calling
If you do receive an unsolicited sales call, you can also try politely asking the telemarketer to take your number off their calling list. Let them know you are not interested in their offer and would like them to stop calling your cell phone. Legally, they are required to honor this request.
If the calls continue after you've made this request, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or your state consumer protection office. Repeated violations can result in fines for the telemarketing company.
Consider Changing Your Cell Phone Number
As a last resort, you may want to consider changing your cell phone number altogether. This can be a major hassle, as you'll need to update your contact information with family, friends, businesses, and other important parties. But if the telemarketing calls just won't stop, it may be worth the effort to get a new number that isn't yet in the hands of sales callers.
Dealing with telemarketing calls on your cell phone can be incredibly frustrating, but with a few proactive steps, you can regain control over your phone and your time. By utilizing the National Do Not Call Registry, downloading call blocking apps, and taking other measures, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted sales calls reaching your personal device.