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U.S. National Do-Not-Call Registry On the Way?

Posted by michael on from the don't-call-me-i'll-call-you dept.

WinkyN writes "Yay! The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a measure that creates a national "do not call" list for telemarketers. Telemarketers are required to check the list every three months and can be fined up to $11,000 each time they violate the law. Now I won't have to ignore my telephone when it rings since more than 50 percent of my calls are from telemarketers." Congress is just getting around to passing a budget bill to run the government for fiscal year 2003 (started last October), and we're now in the time period when everything and the kitchen sink gets thrown into it just before it passes. Good to know that there's at least one useful piece of legislation.

6 of 554 comments (clear)

  1. Too bad by ouslush · · Score: 5, Funny

    I knew I shouldn't have spent $40 buying that damn Telezapper

  2. Finally America's voice has been heard by jmacleod9975 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yea, Now all they need to do is get around to a do not e-mail list, and fixing the patent office, and maybe even get their lips off of Mickey's ass, and allow copyrights to expire.

  3. NYS Do Not Call Registry by Shant3030 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I signed up for the NY State "Do Not Call" registry, and it has been a success. I rarely receive telemarketing calls and when I do I love saying something like...

    "Excuse me, I am on the Do Not Call list and if you continue calling this number, I will be forced to contact the proper authorities who will prosecute your company to the fullest extent of the law".

    Might not make a whole lot of sense, but its fun to hear the scared telemarketers apologize and hang up.

    --
    100% Insightful
  4. 50 percent, huh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now I won't have to ignore my telephone when it rings since more than 50 percent of my calls are from telemarketers.

    WEEKLY RAW DATA:

    2 CALLS- Telemarketers
    1 CALL- His Mom
    1 CALL- Wrong Number

  5. Favorite Telemarketer Reponses by Limburgher · · Score: 5, Funny
    "Thanks, but I was saved at the office."

    "Thanks, but if you'll check your records, I already HAVE your long distance. (click)"

    "Nigeria, you say? Let me get my checkbook."

    "Sorry, but I'm illiterate and proud of it, so I won't be needing magazines."

    "No, but would you like to buy my 1992 Chevy Cavalier? Low, low miles!"

    And, my favorite. . .

    "Sorry, we don't have a phone. (click)"

    --

    You are not the customer.

  6. "Surveys" by jeremyhu · · Score: 5, Funny
    Charities, surveys and calls on behalf of politicians would be exempt.


    What is going to happen:

    Telemarketer: Good evening sir, would you care to take a quick survey? (no pause for answer) How many times are you asking yourself, "Why do I pay so much for long distance?"? (no pause for answer) Have you ever considered switching your long distance provider to Megacorp? Did you know that Megacorp offers the lowest rates possible? Did you know that I could sign you up after we complete this survey? Well sir, thank you for taking this survey. Is there anything else I can help you with?