Telephone canvassing is a well-known consumer problem. These unwanted calls, often hidden or from unknown numbers, can occur at any time, and always at the worst. Fortunately, there is a trick to put an end to it.
The tip to protect yourself from cold calling
Whether you're in the middle of a meeting or preparing dinner, the scenario remains the same: you answer for fear of missing an important call, and ultimately you find yourself faced with an unbearable sales attempt.
However, there is a radical solution to put an end to this nuisance without necessarily hanging up suddenly. Please note first of all that since March 2023, the Telephone canvassing remains governed by strict rules.
It aims to limit abuse. The website of the Ministry of the Economy reminds that these calls now remain authorized only “Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (the consumer's time zone is taken into account)”.
In addition, calls made on weekends, public holidays or outside these time slots remain prohibited. While these new measures offer respite to consumers, they are not always enough to completely eliminate these disruptions.
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The canvassers continue to show up. And the least we can say is that they are sometimes insistent. It is therefore very important to know your rights in order to act effectively. During a cold calling call, he can be tempting to hang up immediately.
But a more strategic approach is to ask a simple question: “How did you get my phone number?” » This question calls into question the legality of the appeal, particularly in terms of the protection of personal data.
In France, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) imposes strict rules on the use and retention of personal information. Direct sellers must be able to justify the how they got your number.
-Tips to apply
This question often destabilizes the interlocutors and can be enough to dissuade future calls. Contrary to what some might think, ignoring or rejecting these calls is not an effective method of getting rid of them.
Refusing a call can, on the contrary, encourage cold calling companies to increase their attempts. The key therefore lies in a thoughtful and methodical confrontation. Please note that, when calling, you have the right to refuse canvassing.
You can clearly inform your contact that you no longer wish to be contacted. You can also request the deletion of your data. In fact, you can demand that your number be removed from their database.
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In the event of a repeat offense, insist on speaking to a superior and reiterate your requests. The legislation requires companies to respect a minimum period of 60 days before we can contact you again.
If, despite your efforts, telephone harassment persists, several solutions are available to you. You can report the number to the competent authorities or on dedicated platforms. But that's not all.
You can also register on the Bloctel list, a free service which limits telephone canvassing. Do not hesitate to file a complaint either, especially if the calls are particularly frequent or aggressive.
When faced with cold calling, the best solution is to face the call with calm and determination. Ask questions, politely but firmly refuse requests, and above all, request deletion of your data.
