Telemarketing |
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Many legitimate businesses sell products over the phone and are members of the Australian Direct Marketing Association.
Reputable direct marketing businesses will:
- only call between 8 am - 9 pm daily
- will not call on Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- provide a clear opportunity for consumers to accept or decline an offer
- provide a seven-day cooling off period that allows consumers to cancel a contract
- not sell goods or services under the pretence of conducting market research
- allow consumers to opt-out of future direct marketing approaches and block transfer of their contact details to any other marketer.
You can place your home phone number on the national Do Not Call register. If a telemarketer calls a number on the Do Not Call Register, they may be breaking the law and face penalties.
However, some organisations are exempt from having to comply with the Do Not Call Register, such as:
- market research companies (surveys)
- charities or charitable institutions
- educational institutions
- religious organisations
- government bodies
- political parties
- independent members of parliament
- political candidates.
If you get an unsolicited call, you can hang up at any time.
You can make legally binding contracts verbally so be careful what you agree to when speaking with a telemarketer. If you are interested in their offer, ask them to send details by mail.
How would a telemarketer get my contact details?
Telemarketers use several legitimate ways to get consumers' details, including:
- phone book
- electoral rolls
- contact lists sold between marketing firms and businesses
- contracts
- competition entries or surveys you've completed.
For further information about telemarketing, visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Last reviewed 17/08/2009 |
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