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Telemarketing

Telemarketing can be annoying but it is a legitimate marketing practice. However consumers need to be alert to scammers who use it to try and deceive you.

If you receive unwanted telemarketing calls, you can request that the company remove your details from its marketing list so you do not receive any more calls.

If the company is reputable, they will honour your request because they do not want to alienate a potential future customer.

Many Australian companies and charities also belong to the Australian Direct Marketing Association (ADMA) which operates a free “Do Not Contact” service.

However Consumer Protection receives many complaints about telemarketing practices, particularly those of overseas-based companies which employ telemarketers for one-off campaigns. If the company is based overseas, it can be difficult to enforce your consumer rights. 

  1.  A verbal agreement can be a legally binding contract so never agree to anything over the phone;
  2.  Don’t get caught off guard by late night, early morning or dinner-time telemarketing calls;
  3.  Introduce a delay to allow yourself time to research the offer and decide whether it is good value;
  4.  Tell them to ring back at a time that suits you;
  5.  Ask them to send you written information about the offer;
  6.  Always check out the terms and conditions of the contract before agreeing to anything;
  7.  Compare prices on any goods or services offered with local traders – you might be pleasantly surprised;
  8.  Remember, it can be very difficult to enforce your consumer rights with a company based overseas;
  9.  Be very wary of telemarketers offering investment packages. Check out our section on Investment Scams;
  10.  Be wary of automated pre-recorded voice messages which encourage you to respond to voice interactive premium telephone services. These services can charge up to $5 a minute;
  11.  Be wary of any opening pitch which says: “Congratulations, you have won”;
  12.  If you are asked to participate in a survey or poll, ask questions to make sure it is legitimate and not a pitch to sell you products, or worse, criminals trying to ascertain your movements;
  13.  Your personal details are worth money to others, like telemarketers, so guard it carefully.

 

 

Page last updated on:   -  Tuesday, 20 December 2005