While researching anti-spam techniques, I came across an anti-telemarketing technique that has proved quite useful. Within a few weeks, it noticeably reduced the amount of telemarketer calls I was getting.
Here is the original article, which I copied:
The original site seems to be down (http://home.comcast.net/~dakine_101798/spambeater.htm):
so I have a copy on my systemnotes.org site -- http://www.systemnotes.org/notes/security/Defeat_Telemarketers_for_FREE.html
Defeat Telemarketers for FREE!
Yes! You can stop Telemarketers COLD!
Now you can save that $40.00 you were thinking of spending on a TeleZapper. You can even save a couple bucks on the eBay Auctions for this sound file.
The TeleZapper is a device that plays the first tone in the three tones that precede the telephone company's historic "This number has been disconnected" message. Most telemarketing predictive dialers listen for that tone, and when it is present the dialer assumes the number is disconnected, The result is, the telemarketing dialer will immediately disconnect and delete your phone number from it's data bank.
This is incredibly easy to set up, if you have an answering machine and speakers for your computer you have everything you need.
If a computer Telemarketer calls, they won't leave a message (because the dialer has hung up, removed your phone number from the database and moved on to the next number in it's database). If it's a friend, well; life is normal, no change. If you're not home, they can record a message for you. your friends will hear the 'DO-DA-DEE' and then your voice greeting, after which they can leave a message. (Or if you use the single tone they will hear just 'DO'.) If after hearing who's on the other end of the line and you want to take the call, simply pick up the handset and say "Hello"
Follow the instructions listed below and all of your calls will be screened AUTOMATICALLY!
Here's How it's Done:Put your TELEPHONE ANSWERING MACHINE next to your computer speaker, (Or the other way around) and play the sound file. Record the sound file at the beginning of youre outgoing message, then simply complete your voice greeting. You've done it! Yep, that's all there is to it. It's that easy, It's that fast!
Now just sit back and let your answering machine screen the incoming calls.
After perhaps a month of letting your answering machine screen all of the evening and weekend incoming calls, you'll have the same results as a $40.00 TeleZapper.
This will work on any answering machine, digital or tape based and is compatible with Call Waiting & Caller ID. It will even work with the answering service provided by most telephone company's. (Except you don't get to screen your calls this way, because you would not be able to hear the callers message).
It's very satisfying to hear the phone ring, then find out there isn't anyone (or anything) there. Oops another Telemarketer bites the dust!. Hehehe!
What? You don't have the tones?Download the sound file of the telephone company disconnect tones here. ((Single tone here) (Right click and select Save Target As.)) Or the Zip file for both sound files is here.
Please feel free to send your friends and family to this web page. Please feel free to duplicate this web page in whole or in part and put it on your own web site.
I don't want credit. I want computerized Telemarketers out of business! Also, I can't understand how the TeleZapper manufacturers can sleep at night, selling their product for $39.99.
I work for a major Telecommunications company. I'm just trying to help everyone save money and get rid of telemarketing calls.
Interesting development, The TeleZapper folks have replaced the older version of their device. The one they have now does not require an AC adapter, rather it uses a battery that must be replace periodically. It also has a switch to allow for "Advanced Mode" which actually causes all 3 tones to play. The newer device retails for $39.99, a $10.00 drop in price from just a few months ago. On eBay the new ones have an average price between $25 & $30, so it makes sense not to buy retail at the very least.
There isn't a down side to using the tones I'm providing. Not even 1. (Well there is a possibility that the Medical Systems Dialers may disconnect as well. This may mean that you would not receive appointment reminders. However, Kaiser Permanente in California does not disconnect. I suspect that at least some of these medical dialers do not detect the tones. If this concerns you, you can check with the medical facility IT (Information Technology) professional. Ask your doctor for his/her phone # Please note: This is a risk you take by using the TeleZapper as well).
Addendum:
I have had numerous e-mails asking if the single tone sound file is as effective as the 3 tone sound file. Also people want to know the difference between them.
The single tone file currently works just as well as the 3 tone file, most of the current Telemarketer dialers only hear the 1st tone. It will then immediately disconnect, delete your number from it's list, then it dials the next number in it's data base.
The phone company decided years ago that the 3 tone system would be implemented just in case additional tones were going to be required. To this date it has not been necessary to use the additional two tones. It was thought they may be useful for redirecting or emergency services, other options proved to be easier to implement.
These tones will work on any phone system in any country that recognizes 'Tones'.
The Federal Trade Commission is getting involved.
Click here to register online beginning on July 4, 2003
California Residents can pre-register with the CA Dept of Justice right now!
View FTC Telemarketer Rules here
***Serious Update Scammers at work!***
VTech answers the challenge! OK, this way you are buying a TeleZapper but you're getting a cordless 2.4 GHZ phone with CallerID too. All for $49.95, the cost of the original TeleZapper.
