FTC cracks down on robo-calls with new rules on clarkhoward.com

The FTC continues to crack down on "robo-calls" with new rules that will let you opt out of receiving these automated nuisances on your residential landline.

Under the new rules, you'll be prompted to hit a key command or say a keyword that in theory should stop those robo-calls. This even extends to charities that use robo-calls to reach people -- not just businesses.

What if you're like Clark and have an answering machine on your home phone that gets clogged with automated calls? The new rules will mandate robo-callers to leave a toll-free number after their message that you can call to get on what the penny-pincher calls a "robo-Do Not Call list."

So you'll have 3 options -- you can either hit a key command; you can say a keyword; or you can call a phone number to opt out. While you're at it, make sure you're signed up on DoNotCall.gov for the benefits of the traditional Do Not Call list.

Finally, don't give businesses your cell phone number as a point of contact unless you have no other choice. Doing so gives them an 18-month pass to make solicitation calls and burn up your minutes.

What others are saying

robo calls still continue
All they;ve done is switch to a cell phone now. The calls are more frequent then before the law passed. As much as 15 calls in a 72 hour period .... The law is a joke!
By terry gersdorf @ 09/29/09 07:00:07 PMreport abuse
Cable companies trying to unfairly persuade land line owners?
Those of you that have a land line phone and enjoy low rates consider yourselves lucky. Cable companies are "scamming/slamming" customers that don't subscribe to their service with so called bargain bundles. WRONG! Consider this if you have a land land, it will cost you on the order of several hundred dollars to reactivate your land line. Also if your cable goes out and cell phones are disrupted you have no phone. Finally, cable (Cox Cable - California) companies are disregarding the DO NOT CALL list and pressuring subscribers unfairly despite being on the National DO NOT call registry. I would advise that if you are getting these calls from the cable company to call them and tell them that your number is on the DO NOT call registry, and any calls from their solicitors will be logged and reported to the FTC. I was perturbed that the cable company operator denied having to abide by the DNC list. So consumers beware.
By Margie @ 04/23/09 07:37:11 AMreport abuse
Robo-calls
I am sick and tired of receiving
robo-calls on my cell phone. I don't answer any calls if I don't recognize the number. I hide my cell phone number and call back and what do I get every time that I call? THIS NUMBER HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED! How can someone call me on my cell phone from a disconnected phone number? Would someone please answer this question or give me an explanation? Thanks.
By Tom @ 03/31/09 01:12:45 PMreport abuse
avoid Hilton properties - they'll robo-call U to death
Hilton's division for timeshare sales (HGV) has robo-called my home # 40-50 times in late 2008. They say I'm an "established customer" simply b/c I stayed at a Hilton hotel . LOL... They can be sure I won't be staying there anymore.
By john blake @ 03/04/09 02:17:28 PMreport abuse
Why aren't you enforcing the law?
I'm still getting the credit card and car warranty robo calls. and today I got one, same fake number on the caller ID, for a free cruise. I've hit that opt out button more times than I can count. the calls NEVER include a call back number to opt out. Isn't using a fake caller ID number considered fraud? why are they allowed to continue????? I'm sick of this!
By NJ @ 02/28/09 04:18:18 PMreport abuse
Robocall violations
It is nice they made a law against this abuse. It is too bad the law is not enforced. It is worse that AT&T supports robocall operations.
By James Grundman @ 01/25/09 12:32:59 PMreport abuse
Robo-calls
Stop doing business with any business that uses robo-calls!
I've moved several prescriptions away from CVS Pharmacy to a locally-owned pharmacy after CVS started robo-calls nagging me to renew my prescriptions, multiple tries per day, if they reached my answering machine.
I made it clear to the CVS pharmacist EXACTLY why they were losing my prescription business.
By Martin @ 12/19/08 12:13:38 AMreport abuse

robo calls still continue

All they;ve done is switch to a cell phone now. The calls are more frequent then before the law passed. As much as 15 calls in a 72 hour period .... The law is a joke!

By terry gersdorf @ 09/29/09 07:00:07 PMreport abuse

Cable companies trying to unfairly persuade land line owners?

Those of you that have a land line phone and enjoy low rates consider yourselves lucky. Cable companies are "scamming/slamming" customers that don't subscribe to their service with so called bargain bundles. WRONG! Consider this if you have a land land, it will cost you on the order of several hundred dollars to reactivate your land line. Also if your cable goes out and cell phones are disrupted you have no phone. Finally, cable (Cox Cable - California) companies are disregarding the DO NOT CALL list and pressuring subscribers unfairly despite being on the National DO NOT call registry. I would advise that if you are getting these calls from the cable company to call them and tell them that your number is on the DO NOT call registry, and any calls from their solicitors will be logged and reported to the FTC. I was perturbed that the cable company operator denied having to abide by the DNC list. So consumers beware.

By Margie @ 04/23/09 07:37:11 AMreport abuse

Robo-calls

I am sick and tired of receiving
robo-calls on my cell phone. I don't answer any calls if I don't recognize the number. I hide my cell phone number and call back and what do I get every time that I call? THIS NUMBER HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED! How can someone call me on my cell phone from a disconnected phone number? Would someone please answer this question or give me an explanation? Thanks.

By Tom @ 03/31/09 01:12:45 PMreport abuse

avoid Hilton properties - they'll robo-call U to death

Hilton's division for timeshare sales (HGV) has robo-called my home # 40-50 times in late 2008. They say I'm an "established customer" simply b/c I stayed at a Hilton hotel . LOL... They can be sure I won't be staying there anymore.

By john blake @ 03/04/09 02:17:28 PMreport abuse

Why aren't you enforcing the law?

I'm still getting the credit card and car warranty robo calls. and today I got one, same fake number on the caller ID, for a free cruise. I've hit that opt out button more times than I can count. the calls NEVER include a call back number to opt out. Isn't using a fake caller ID number considered fraud? why are they allowed to continue????? I'm sick of this!

By NJ @ 02/28/09 04:18:18 PMreport abuse

Robocall violations

It is nice they made a law against this abuse. It is too bad the law is not enforced. It is worse that AT&T supports robocall operations.

By James Grundman @ 01/25/09 12:32:59 PMreport abuse

Stop doing business with any business that uses robo-calls!
I've moved several prescriptions away from CVS Pharmacy to a locally-owned pharmacy after CVS started robo-calls nagging me to renew my prescriptions, multiple tries per day, if they reached my answering machine.
I made it clear to the CVS pharmacist EXACTLY why they were losing my prescription business.

By Martin @ 12/19/08 12:13:38 AMreport abuse

Listen Live:

Clark On Demand:

Clark's Advice:

Consumer Action Center:

Quick Links:

Clark Media:

Call The Show:

Dec 17, 2008 -- FTC cracks down on robo-calls with new rules

What others are saying