The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has the authority to regulate telemarketing practices to ensure consumers are protected from deceptive and abusive tactics. This is achieved through the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), a set of regulations that outlines what telemarketers can and cannot do.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points in the TSR:
Disclosures: Telemarketers must clearly identify themselves and the purpose of their call at the beginning. This includes disclosing they are selling something and any relevant information about the product or service.
Do Not Call Registry: Consumers can register their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry to limit unwanted telemarketing calls. Telemarketers are prohibited from calling numbers on this registry unless they have prior written consent from the consumer.
Calling Times: There are restrictions on when telemarketers can call. Generally, they cannot call before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm local time.
Misrepresentations The TSR strictly
Prohibits false or misleading statements to induce consumers into buying something. This includes misrepresenting product features, pricing, or the telemarketer’s affiliation with an organization.
Payment Methods: The rule sets limitations on payment methods for certain goods and services, especially those sold over the phone. This helps prevent scams that involve upfront payments or pressurized sales tactics.
Record Keeping: Telemarketers are thai phone number to maintain specific records of their telemarketing activities for a set period. This allows the FTC to investigate potential violations of the TSR.
Recent Updates to the TSR (as of April 2024)
The FTC continues to update the TSR to address evolving telemarketing practices and technologies. Here are some recent amendments:
Business-to-Business (B2B) Calls: The updated rule prohibits material misrepresentations and false or misleading statements in B2B telemarketing calls. This provides greater protection for small businesses.
Record Keeping: Additional record-keeping requirements are now in place for telemarketers and sellers. This allows for better tracking of telemarketing activities and easier identification of potential violations.
What You Can Do.
Register for the National
Do Not Call Registry: This is a free and effective way to limit unwanted telemarketing calls. You can register your phone number Thailand Phone Number online or by phone at.
Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls: Don’t feel pressured to buy anything over the phone, especially from unknown callers.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you’ve been the target of a deceptive or abusive telemarketing call, you can report it to the FTC at [Report Fraud FTC ON Federal Trade Commission.
