Reply #21: Yep, get as much info as you can, then file a complaint with the FTC

[SeattleVet]

at the www.donotcall.gov website. I always try to get (at an absolute minimum) their name, their alleged company name (no legitimate business ignores the DNC list!), and a 'callback number'. They are legally required to check their numbers against the federal Do Not Call every 30 days. If they do not, they can be subject to a $16,000 federal fine - PER CALL - in addition to whatever other state penalties you can help them get. A Do Not Call entry does not expire now - if you added your number to the list, it's permanent. Lots of good info at the FCC/FTC DoNotCall web site.

I try to keep them on the line and get all of the info, then I explain to them that I am filling out the complaint form as we speak, and I would appreciate if they would help by giving me the required information. I pressed one guy for info about his company (you're NOT 'name of company I do business with', are you?). He finally said "Are you stupid?" My response was "Am *I* stupid? You're calling me, trying to get money, won't give me any information, and I'm the stupid one? I'm not the one having the federal complaint filed against me. I hope that the potential $16,000 per call fine is enough to either make you think twice about doing this, or it puts you out of business. F^&% you." Never heard from *that* one again!

Some of them are truly shocked that what they are doing is illegal. I brought one young woman to tears explaining that whoever is making her place these calls is scamming scum, and she should seek another line of work before she got caught up in the legalities of it all. I don't blame the callers, usually - I blame it on the vendor that sells them the numbers without screening them, and their employer for also not screening them as they are legally bound to do. If they ignore the Do Not Call law, do you REALLY expect that they'll bother to ignore any other laws? 100% scammers - and they get NO information whatsoever from me.