CURRENT ISSUES
Topics of Interest to Consumers

MASSACHUSETTS “DO NOT CALL REGISTRY” 

We receive many complaints from Cape Cod residents who want to reduce the number of telephone calls they receive from marketing companies.  CAC provides them with information to help reduce the annoying calls and people report that when they follow our suggestions, the volume of telephone calls drops significantly.  The most efficient way to signup will be through the OCABR website www.mass.gov/donotcall or FTC website www.donotcall.gov .  Consumers can also signup by: 

Calling: (Toll free) Massachusetts 866-213-2255 National FTC (866-231-CALL)

The law provides consumer protections and stipulates that telemarketers must follow these rules:

q       Soliciting telephone calls cannot be made between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.; 

q       Soliciting fax transmissions cannot be made at any time;

q       Telephone solicitations using recorded message devices cannot be made at any time;

q       Telemarketers cannot use blocking devices to stop a caller ID device;

q       Telemarketers must disclose, within the first minute of the sales call, identifying information, including the sales purpose of the call, the name of the telemarketer and the name of the ultimate seller;

q       Telemarketers must disclose costs, terms and conditions, refund and return policies and risks before any payment discussions take place. 

There are some exceptions and consumers can expect to receive certain types of calls, including: 

 q       Political polls or opinion surveys that unrelated to the marketing of property, goods and services;

 q       Calls made with the consumer’s express permission;

 q       Calls made in response to a consumer’s visit to a company’s place of business;

  q       Telephone sales calls made in response to a consumer’s express request;

  q       Telephone calls made primarily in connection with an existing contract or debt;

  q       Telephone calls to an existing customer;

  q       Telephone calls made in the context of ongoing consumer sales when face-to-face presentations or meetings are required before payment is requested.