Survey calls, often conducted by market research firms, can be intrusive and time-consuming. While some are legitimate, many are unwanted and can be minimized with the right strategies. Here's how you can reduce the number of survey calls you receive:
What Is the National Do Not Call Registry?
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales calls. By registering your phone number, telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you within 31 days. However, this registry does not block calls from certain organizations, including survey companies. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Register My Number on the National Do Not Call Registry?
To add your number to the registry:
- Visit DoNotCall.gov.
- Click on "Register Your Phone."
- Enter your phone number and email address.
- Confirm your registration via the email sent to you.
Your registration remains active until you remove your number or it is disconnected. (consumersearch.com)
Why Do I Still Receive Survey Calls After Registering?
Survey calls are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry. This means that even if your number is registered, legitimate survey companies can still contact you. Additionally, some survey calls may be from scammers who ignore the registry altogether. (consumer.ftc.gov)
What Are the Legal Exceptions to the Do Not Call Registry?
The registry does not block calls from:
- Political organizations
- Charitable organizations
- Companies with which you have an existing business relationship
- Survey companies
Understanding these exceptions can help you identify which calls are legally permitted and which are not. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Block Unwanted Survey Calls?
While you cannot completely eliminate survey calls, you can reduce their frequency by:
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Using Call-Blocking Apps: Many apps can identify and block unwanted calls. Some apps are free, while others may charge a fee. To get a call-blocking app:
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Go to the online app store for your phone’s operating system (iOS, Android, etc.) and look at ratings for different apps.
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Check out the list of apps at ctia.org. (consumer.ftc.gov)
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Enabling Built-In Features: Many smartphones have built-in features to block or filter calls. For example, on iPhones, you can enable "Silence Unknown Callers" to send calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail. (consumer.ftc.gov)
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Contacting Your Phone Carrier: Some carriers offer free services to help block unwanted calls. For instance, AT&T provides ActiveArmor, Verizon offers Call Filter, and T-Mobile has Scam Shield. Check with your carrier to see what services they offer. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Report Unwanted Survey Calls?
If you receive unwanted survey calls, you can report them to the FTC:
- Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Select "Unwanted Calls" as the complaint category.
- Provide the details of the call.
Reporting helps authorities track and take action against unwanted calls. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Protect Myself from Survey Call Scams?
To safeguard yourself:
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Be Skeptical: If a survey call asks for personal or financial information, be cautious. Legitimate surveys typically do not request sensitive data.
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Hang Up: If you feel uncomfortable or the call seems suspicious, hang up immediately.
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Verify the Caller: If the survey claims to be from a reputable organization, contact them directly using official contact information to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted survey calls you receive.
Highlights:
- Robocalls keep coming: Here's how consumers can minimize the calls - CBS Los Angeles, Published on Wednesday, April 26
