FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule

Dec. 18, 2002 — -- Following are tips from the Federal Trade Commission about its Telemarketing Sales Rule, which was adopted in 1994 in an effort to protect consumers from fraud and abuse by telemarketers.

The FTC requires telemarketers to make certain disclosures and prohibits certain misrepresentations. To determine whether or not you're talking with a scam artist or a legitimate telemarketer, keep the following tips in mind:

    --Source: Federal Trade Commission

If you think you've been a victim of a fraudulent telemarketer, you can call the FTC's toll-free number, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or file a complaint online.

If you do not want a telemarketer to call you again, simply say, "Put me on your do not call list."