The Unending Ring: Telemarketing Calls and What You Can Do About Them

You may have seen HBO's new docuseries "Telemarketers."  It's a fascinating deep dive into the world of telemarketing, showing the tactics they use and the people behind the calls. It's a must-watch for anyone wanting to understand why these calls keep coming and what can be done about it.

But what can you do if the world of Telemarketers comes calling on your cell phone?   And why, despite the government's best efforts, are they still buzzing our lines?

First off, telemarketing is like playing the lottery. They're dialing for dollars and for every thousand folks who hang up, there's one who bites. That's enough to keep the wheels turning.

Second, technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's given us caller ID and block features. On the other, it's made it a cinch for these pests to dial thousands of numbers a minute and spoof their IDs to look like your neighbor or your kid's school. By the way, these spoofed SC area codes (803, 839, 843, 854, or 864) if made from a location outside of South Carolina, likely violate South Carolina's Telephone Privacy Protection Act which provide for significant money damages if a violation is proven.

So, what about government enforcement? Good luck with that. When these calls are coming from overseas, out of reach of our laws. And when the authorities do manage to slap them with a fine, it's just chalked up as the cost of doing business.

So, what can you do if you're getting lit up by these calls?  First, if you haven't already, sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry. It won't stop them all, but it'll put a dent in them. And if you're still getting hassled, report it. Every bit of info helps the powers-that-be crack down on these operations. And if you're on the receiving end of these calls, keep records. The date, time, and company can be crucial pieces of evidence.

Finally, feel free to let us know!  Unconsented telemarketing calls to cell phones may violate federal laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and the South Carolina Telephone Privacy Protection Act.  Both of these laws, assuming a defendant can be located, provide for substantial monetary damages to consumers.

At the end of the day, knowledge is power. The more we know about these annoying calls and the tricks they use, the better we can protect ourselves. So, stay informed, stay vigilant, and don't be afraid to hang up.

If you feel like you're being harassed by these calls, don't hesitate to reach out. Click on the Quick Contact link below. We're here to help!