TelleZapper -- does it really work?!?!

[StormRider]

I was at CompUSA the other day and noticed they were selling something called the "TelleZapper" or something. It's supposed to be a device you hook up to your telephone so when a computerized telemarketer tries to call you, it will send a "disconnected" signal to them. This is supposed to make the telemarketer think your phone number is no longer valid so it will remove your number from their systems.

Question: Does this really work? Or is it another penis pump?

 

[StormRider]

Here's the CompUSA link:

Link to product description

Anybody tried this? Do they really work?

 

[iamwiz82]

my parents have one. I believe they still get telemarketers every once in awhile, since the machine must "learn" which ones are indeed.

 

[Frosty3799]

theres an easier way... at least here in NY if you call up your phone company and ask them to make your number private (or something, i forget the exact wording) and to put your name on the list of people thats its illegal to call. if any telemarketer calls you afteryour name is on that list, you can retaliate through the state law, and sue the bastards.

personally i think thats better than buying a device to do it for you

Josh

 

[Stifko]

NY's "DO NOT CALL" Telemarketing Registry

 

[Thegonagle]

Linky.

 

[kranky]

My understanding of what it does:

You know how, when you call a number that's not in service, you hear those three short tones before the announcement starts? That's
what it does - it plays those tones. I believe you have to answer the phone for the thing to kick in, so every time you answer the phone those tones are going to sound.

 

[Optimus]

You can legally get the same result by saying:

"I am not interested, take my name off your call lists. I am noting your company and the date and time of my request. Goodbye."

Problem is, most people don't like to say that, so this TeleZapper is kind of a $59 "Strap-On Spine". (I'm joking about that - I kid because I love)

 

[ThaGrandCow]

<< You can legally get the same result by saying:

"I am not interested, take my name off your call lists. I am noting your company and the date and time of my request. Goodbye."

Problem is, most people don't like to say that, so this TeleZapper is kind of a $59 "Strap-On Spine". (I'm joking about that - I kid because I love) >>

Actually, that won't work. All they'll do is take you off their current list. Next time they get a bunch of numbers they will call you back again. Don't say "take me off your call list," instead say "put me on your Do Not Call list."
It's a subtle difference, but the first way you don't have any legal recourse.

 

[Optimus]

Ah, thanks TheGrandCow.

 

[killface]

<< Actually, that won't work. All they'll do is take you off their current list. Next time they get a bunch of numbers they will call you back again. Don't say "take me off your call list," instead say "put me on your Do Not Call list."
It's a subtle difference, but the first way you don't have any legal recourse. >>


Actually, you're supposed to get the name of the company and the person who is calling you too. If they call again in 6 months, you can report them and you win a prize (well, you know what I mean)

Edit - I think the prize is a check for $500.

 

[ThaGrandCow]

<<

<< Actually, that won't work. All they'll do is take you off their current list. Next time they get a bunch of numbers they will call you back again. Don't say "take me off your call list," instead say "put me on your Do Not Call list."
It's a subtle difference, but the first way you don't have any legal recourse. >>


Actually, you're supposed to get the name of the company and the person who is calling you too. If they call again in 6 months, you can report them and you win a prize (well, you know what I mean)

Edit - I think the prize is a check for $500. >>

You are correct. I was only pointing the flaw in how he was telling them not to call anymore. He would still need to get the name and date they called. And yes, the prize is $500... PER CALL