In a world where many of us are unified by the shared annoyance of unsolicited telemarketing calls, there’s one sector that consistently stands out: timeshare telemarketing. These persistent and often aggressive calls have become an emblem of telephonic harassment. Whether it’s offering a timeshare service, pitching a “free” vacation, or discussing a potential resale buyer, timeshare telemarketers know how to keep your phone buzzing. Lets look closer at interactions with timeshare telemarketers.
Why Timeshare Telemarketers Are Persistent
A recent Twitter post summed up the frustration felt by many consumers:
“Cold callers grind my last nerve when it’s the 17th time in a week despite asking them to desist. I was swearing with today’s spamming timeshare get out patronizing git who hung up & called back in a different number to be nasty. #coldcall #spammer”.
The Relentless Pursuit of Timeshare Telemarketers
This experience is a testament to the relentless nature of these unwanted intrusions. Timeshare telemarketers are incredibly persistent due to the nature of their business model and the high stakes involved. Timeshares are often high-ticket items, meaning that each successful sale can generate a substantial commission for the telemarketer.
This lucrative potential incentivizes them to be relentless in their efforts. Additionally, they operate under the assumption that persistence can wear down a prospect’s resistance over time, eventually leading to a sale. Furthermore, they have large lists of potential leads, so even if many people decline, there is always the next number to call. The competitive nature of the timeshare industry and the pressure from their superiors to meet sales quotas often drive these telemarketers to push the boundaries of persistence.
The Perils of Engaging with Timeshare Telemarketers
While it may be tempting to express your annoyance or toy with the timeshare telemarketer during these calls, we advise against it. Engaging with the telemarketer may inadvertently signal that your number is active and responsive, leading to more calls. Plus, telemarketers may have access to your personal information, which can potentially pose a security risk. It’s best to politely decline their offer and end the call promptly.
Handling Timeshare Telemarketing Calls
Here are some strategies to handle timeshare telemarketing calls effectively:
- Keep it Brief: Aim for minimal engagement. If it’s a telemarketer, respond with a simple “not interested” and hang up.
- Ask to be Removed: Request to be removed from their call list politely yet firmly.
- Block Numbers: Use your smartphone’s features to block specific numbers, which can help reduce call frequency.
- Report Persistent Calls: Report persistent calls to your local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission, or the BBB.
Retaliatory Strategies of Timeshare Telemarketers
Be aware that timeshare telemarketers may resort to retaliatory strategies when you refuse to engage. This can include repeated calls, number spoofing, calling back with a different approach, leveraging personal information, or even resorting to rude or abusive behavior.
A Layer of Consumer Protection
The Do Not Call Registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission and was established to provide consumers with the choice to limit the telemarketing calls they receive.
When you register your number with the Do Not Call Registry, it becomes illegal for most telemarketers, including timeshare companies, to call you. This can drastically reduce the volume of unsolicited sales calls you receive, offering a significant reprieve from the constant interruptions.
However, it’s important to note that certain exceptions exist. For instance, calls from charities, political organizations, or companies with which you have an established business relationship are still permitted.
In the event you continue to receive unwanted calls 31 days after registering, you have the right to report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC has the authority to levy hefty fines against companies that violate these rules, providing an additional layer of consumer protection.
Want to know who is calling you? An article at SFGate.com with vetted resources can help with that.
Techniques to Minimize Timeshare Interactions
Despite the aggravation, there are ways to minimize interactions with timeshare telemarketers. Understand your consumer rights, enroll in the Do Not Call Registry, limit call engagement, end conversations quickly, and take preventative measures to decrease call frequency.
Share Experiences and Seek Support
Talk to friends and family about their experiences with unwanted calls. Don’t hesitate to seek help and support from trusted sources like the BBB if you feel harassed or unsafe due to timeshare telemarketing calls. Remember, your phone is your domain, and you have the power to control your interactions.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. For detailed information on dealing with timeshare telemarketers, consult a legal professional.
About the Authors
J. Andrew Meyer and Michael D. Finn, with over 75 years of combined experience, lead the Finn Law Group, a consumer protection firm specializing in Timeshare Law. If you need legal advice related to a timeshare issue, contact us for a free consultation at (855) FINN-LAW or email us at: [email protected]
Stay updated on the topic of Interactions with timeshare telemarketers by following us on Twitter. We’re here to support you. By understanding your rights and taking appropriate action, you can diminish the frequency of unsolicited telemarketing calls from timeshare companies. With the assistance of consumer protection laws, the Do Not Call Registry and professional advice from experts in Timeshare Law, you can regain control over your phone and privacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out for further information; remember, speaking up is important when it comes to protecting yourself from harassment.
