Telemarketing calls are something we’ve all faced, and the first instinct is often to hang up immediately. But here’s the catch—hanging up doesn’t always stop them from calling you back. Instead of just cutting them off, there are smarter strategies you can use to reduce these interruptions and regain control of your phone.
Why Hanging Up Isn’t Enough
If you’ve ever slammed the phone down after a telemarketing call, only to find yourself getting called again later, you’re not alone. The reality is, simply hanging up doesn’t solve the issue. Call centers are persistent, and they’re likely to keep calling until they get an answer or a definitive response. Fortunately, there’s a way to break this cycle without losing your patience.
The government has implemented strict regulations to curb the flood of telemarketing calls. In theory, companies are not allowed to contact individuals who are registered on no-call lists like Bloctel, a service designed to stop unsolicited calls. Violations can result in hefty fines—up to €75,000 for individuals and €375,000 for companies. However, despite these measures, many people still receive several unwanted calls each week.
Know the Rules and Use Them to Your Advantage
One key part of the new telemarketing rules is that companies are now required to display their phone number clearly when calling. No more anonymous or hidden numbers—if a telemarketer is using one, they’re breaking the law. Additionally, telemarketers can no longer use personal number prefixes like 06 or 07, which are meant for private calls, making it easier to recognize and avoid these unwanted calls.
Here’s where it gets helpful: certain area codes have been reserved specifically for telemarketing calls. By learning to recognize these prefixes, you can screen your calls more effectively. For example, numbers starting with 0162, 0163, or 0270 are frequently used by call centers in mainland France. If you see one of these prefixes pop up on your phone, it’s likely a telemarketer—and you’ll know not to answer.
To give you a clearer picture, here are some of the most common area codes used by telemarketers:
- Mainland France: 0162, 0163, 0270, 0271, 0377, 0378
- Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy: 09475
- Guyana: 09476
- Martinique: 09477
- La Réunion and Mayotte: 09478, 09479
How to Avoid Repeat Calls
Instead of hanging up, try being direct but firm with the telemarketer. Politely ask them to remove your number from their list. Be clear that you don’t want to receive any more calls. In many cases, this approach works better than abruptly ending the call, as it signals that you’ve made a conscious decision not to engage. Telemarketers are often under pressure to meet call quotas, and if they think they can win you over, they may keep trying.
Another effective step is to make sure you’re registered on the Bloctel no-call list. Once you’re on this list, telemarketers are required to check before contacting you, and failing to do so can result in fines. You can register your number online—it’s simple and free, but be aware that not all call centers follow the rules to the letter.
Use Technology to Filter Calls
If you want to go a step further, consider using call-filtering apps like Orange Téléphone. These apps rely on community reporting to flag spam numbers, automatically blocking them before they even reach your phone. I’ve personally found that using a call-filtering app has drastically reduced the number of interruptions I get from telemarketing calls. The community behind these apps keeps adding spam numbers to the database, meaning you’ll stay protected as new telemarketers pop up.
In the end, dealing with telemarketing calls doesn’t have to be a constant frustration. By understanding the rules and taking a proactive approach—whether through direct communication, government registration, or using filtering apps—you can finally minimize those unwanted interruptions and enjoy a quieter phone.