Peel Police have been warning people for a few months now about the numerous ploys used by scam artists, including the fake calls from the CRA (Canadian Revenue Agency) demanding people to pay fabricated outstanding tax obligations?but question is, where are these calls coming from? How do scammers get someone?s phone number?
With phone scams are seemingly everywhere these days, people are understandably losing patience with cold calls. It is no wonder that telemarketers from legitimate companies such as Visa, Bell, and Rogers are facing abuse from the people they call.
It goes without saying that some people are willing to hear out cold calls and would usually end the call graciously but a significant percentage of Mississauga residents don?t want to be bothered by calls from various companies. For these Mississauga residents, Peel Police suggest using the DNCL or Do Not Call List.
What is the Do Not Call List?
The DNCL provides an option for consumers to decide if they don?t want to get telemarketing calls or if they are open to it. When you register your VOIP telephone number, fax, wireless, or residential phone number in the National DNCL, you will receive reduced telemarketing calls.
It does sound great, but does it work?
Yes; but it should be noted that registering in the DNCL is only a way to reduce and not totally eliminate telemarketing calls. The DNCL website also allows you to take a look at your registration status, file a complaint about receiving telemarketing calls, and also find the instructions on how you can remove your phone number on the list.
Now, as mentioned earlier, telemarketing calls won?t be eliminated. This is because some organizations are still allowed to contact you. These organizations include:
- Newspapers that are looking for subscribers
- Organizations that you?ve permitted to contact you
- Political parties, riding associations, and candidates
- Organizations that have an existing business relationship with you
- Canadian registered charities
One last thing is that telemarketing calls made to businesses are exempt from DNCL rules. This applies to Mississauga as well.
How to Stop Receiving Unsolicited Calls
To stop receiving calls from organizations and companies that are technically permitted to call you, you can simply ask to be included on their internal Do Not Call List. Please note that such companies and organizations are not obliged to respect your request and that companies dealing with surveys and research are exempt from DNCL because their calls do not count as marketing calls.
Aside from registering for the national DNCL, you can look into call management options that are often offered by phone service providers in Mississauga. Some can screen telemarketer calls so that they go to your voicemail. Another way is to get an unlisted phone number and perhaps being extra cautious about who you give your contact details too. Services like these are available to Mississauga residents.
To register for the DNCL, simply go to this page http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/telemarketing/infograph03.htm
Worried that you may be being targeted for fraudulent calls in Mississauga? You can avail of private investigation services to seek answers! Contact us at our Mississauga location to know more about how we can help you.
