My phone rang one day while I was eating lunch. Grabbing my phone, I saw an unfamiliar number but decided to answer anyway. Turns out it was a sales call. Annoyed, I resumed my lunch. It suddenly occurred to me that I had read an article in a publication sponsored by the California Bar Foundation that addresses unwanted phone calls. It listed various places you can call or visit online to remove your name and contact info from call lists. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I hadn’t followed through yet.
For phones: Get Removed from Call Lists
As soon as I got the chance, I hunted down the publication and began the process of getting off the call lists. There is a phone number listed for the National Do-Not-Call Registry, which is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To register, call 888-382-1222 or go to the website National Do Not Call Registry . They tell you that this list never expires.
I decided to check out the website where you can enter up to three numbers and add your email. I simply entered my phone number and email address and clicked the Submit button. In a short time, I received an email that said, “National Do Not Call Registry – You Are Registered” along with the date I had registered. Easy Peasy!
Once you add your name to the Do Not Call Registry, wait 31 days. If you continue to get unwanted calls, Report violators. If calls persist, answer the call, stay silent. When no one speaks, hang up. An option to Block Call will appear on your phone screen. Here is a YouTube video that explains what’s going on, “The 3-Second Silent Call: Why You Should NEVER Speak First” .
Does everyone seem to want to buy your house? We get a lot of those types of calls. My friend AI tells me there are limited exceptions to the Do Not Call Registry that allow for certain unsolicited real estate calls. However, many “we buy houses” calls are illegal violations and should be reported.
For Emails: Get Removed from Commercial US Email lists
Too many emails filling your inbox? Getting registered on Commercial US Email lists will help cut down the number.
Gmail has an easy way to report spam. Other email providers are likely to be similar.
- Select unwanted emails by checking the box to the left of the email.
- Options will appear at the top of the page. Select the Spam button.
- Be sure it is spam and not something that allows you to simply unsubscribe
For Junk Mail: Get Removed from Mailing Lists
Nowadays, with the advent of smart phones and the ease of emails, getting junk mail may seem like a small issue. Keep in mind that some older folks are more comfortable with sales catalogs and how to order items, so it can still be a way for your loved one to overspend or be overwhelmed by the volume of junk mail.
The article also provided a site, dmachoice.org, where, for a nominal fee, you can have your name removed from mailing lists to significantly reduce junk snail mail. Forms can be filled out online or downloaded and mailed in.
There are other links on the site that could be beneficial, such as Deceased Do Not Contact Registration. If you are a caregiver, you can click on, Do Not Contact for Caretaker’s Registration, as well as other options.
Get Removed from Pre-Approved credit Lists
But wait! There’s more! You can also ‘Opt out’ of credit agencies’ pre-approved credit offer mailing lists either temporarily or permanently. Call 888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688) or opt out online at OptOutPrescreen.com
We used to have a neighbor that we called Grandma Betty, who loved ordering things from catalogs. Because of that, her name must have been sold to lots of lists. She was constantly being solicited by telemarketers, junk mail, and door-to-door salespeople. If we saw someone knocking on her door, my husband would usually go check out what was going on to interrupt and intervene in some way. He would then call her children so they would be aware of it as well.
Cut Down on Door-To-Door Soliciting
If someone comes to your door selling something, you could try to stop that by putting up a No Soliciting sign near your door.
It is up to us to keep our loved ones as safe as we can from those who would try to prey on their emotions through sales pitches.
This may seem like too much work just to save ourselves the time of hanging up on sales calls or tossing junk mail, but remember, those with cognitive impairment are incredibly vulnerable to these types of pitches. A little time spent now will save in many ways later.
What experiences have you had with unwanted sales pitches?
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “Finishing Well: Finding the Joy in Dementia“, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.