Telemarketers: Selling You Something New
Telemarketers, also known as telemarketing salespeople, are individuals or companies that contact you by phone to sell products or services. They might offer extended car warranties, magazine subscriptions, or credit card deals. Telemarketing calls can be prerecorded messages or live salespeople attempting to make a sale. The key distinction is that telemarketers are trying to convince you to purchase something new.
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulates telemarketing calls in the US. This law allows consumers to register their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, which telemarketers are legally obligated to respect within 31 days. Additionally, the TCPA restricts the times telemarketers can call (generally between 8 am and 9 pm local time) and requires them to identify themselves and their purpose for calling.
Bill Collectors: Getting You to Pay What You Owe
Bill collectors, on the other hand, are individuals or companies hired by creditors to collect outstanding debts. These debts could be from unpaid credit card bills, medical expenses, or utility bills. Bill collectors are not trying to sell you something new; their goal is to recover the money you already owe.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) governs the behavior of bill collectors in the US. This law protects consumers from harassment and deceptive practices. For instance, bill collectors cannot call you before 8 am or after 9 pm local time, and they cannot threaten to arrest you or sue you without following proper legal procedures. If you are being harassed by a bill collector, you have the right to request that they stop contacting you directly and communicate only through the mail.
Distinguishing between telemarketers and bill collectors is crucial for managing unwanted calls. Understanding the relevant regulations (TCPA and FDCPA) allows you to effectively address the situation. If you receive a call from a telemarketer whose number is on the Do Not Call Registry, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Conversely, if a bill collector is harassing you, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
By knowing the difference and your rights, you can take control of unwanted calls and ensure that telemarketers and bill collectors adhere to the established regulations.