Telemarketing Review - Comment. FTC File No. P994414

Thank you for asking for my comments.

Telemarketing by phone is one of the most obtrusive and loathed activities in American Society today. All Americans who own a phone are sooner or later bothered by phone calls that try to sell you something that you do not want or need while interrupting your private life at home. Legislation that would outright ban phone solicitation of all kinds would be welcomed by at least 95% of people who own phones. It would take the kind of courage not seen in today's political arena to propose and pass such legislation. It would be defeated by the business interests that really run the country through campaign contributions. The voters would cheer for such a ban. I know that you will not seek to ban telemarketing, but I hope that these comments will help you realize that telemarketers are not following the present law. I can cite you numerous newspaper stories of false claims and scams being thrust upon us on the phone. Our State and local governments often have to post warnings in the newspaper and TV news about new scams, but some of their own associations, such as police and fire, are some of the WORST offenders.

I am personally angry at the nightly disruptions, but often I am livid at repeat offenders after they have been told not to call again. I wish that I had logged these instances for you, but now that I have your e-mail address, I will do so in the future. If we can't ban these intruders, at least make them obey the Law.

Once told, they must not call again. Our lives would be better off if they never called, but most of us must have a phone for safety, jobs, etc.

Thank you again for allowing me to comment.

Joel Curtis