Stop Insurance Telemarketers: Hang Up Forever

If you are getting unwanted phone calls from insurance companies, you are not alone. Many people have reported getting unwanted phone calls from insurance companies after filling out a form online. This is a common problem that has been going on for years.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the number of unwanted phone calls you receive. The bad news is that there is no simple remedy once your information has gotten into a lead generation and third-party marketing industry.

The first step is to not answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately. Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with Yes. Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords, or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.

You can also try to get on the National Do Not Call list. Registering your home or cell phone number is completely free. If you've already registered your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry and are still receiving a lot of unwanted calls, the calls are most likely from scammers.

You can also try downloading a call-blocking app. A call-blocking app functions as a filter. The company behind the app predicts which calls are illegal or likely to be scams based on call data or reports from users, the FTC, and other sources. Those calls are then intercepted by the app before they reach you. Some apps are free, while others require payment.

If you continue to receive unwanted robocalls after you have been registered with the list for more than 31 days, you have the right to report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is in charge of enforcing laws regarding consumer privacy, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Although the FTC is not able to follow up on individual reports of robocalls, you may still be able to give the agency information about the types of calls you have received and who you have received them from.

Most unsolicited robocalls are in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The act was signed into law in 1991 to protect consumers from being harassed by solicitors and telemarketers. As technology has evolved, the act has evolved to protect consumers from being harassed by ringless voicemails and intrusive texts, in addition to spam calls.

Register with the National Do-Not-Call List

Registering with the National Do-Not-Call List is a great way to reduce the number of telemarketing and sales calls you receive. The National Do Not Call Registry was established to prevent unsolicited sales calls, and registering your phone number is completely free.

To register your number, go to DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you want to register. If you register online, you will receive an email with a link that you must click on within 72 hours to complete your registration. Your phone number will appear on the registry the next day, but it can take up to 31 days for sales calls to stop.

It is important to note that registering with the National Do-Not-Call List will not block all unwanted calls. While it will stop calls from most legitimate companies, it will not prevent calls from scammers, charities, or companies you have previously done business with. Additionally, some companies may still call you if you have given them written permission or if it has been less than 18 months since you last did business with them.

If you continue to receive unwanted calls from legitimate companies after 31 days of registering with the National Do-Not-Call List, you can file a complaint online or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Use call blocking apps

Call-blocking apps are one of the most effective ways to stop unwanted calls from insurance companies. These apps function as a filter, predicting which calls are likely to be scams based on call data or reports from users, the FTC, and other sources. The apps then intercept those calls before they reach you.

There are many call-blocking apps available for both iPhone and Android devices. Some popular options include:

• Hiya
• RoboKiller
• TrueCaller
• Call Control

These apps offer a range of features, such as warning you about robocalls and scam calls, allowing you to manually block specific numbers, and automatically blocking calls from known scammers.

Most call-blocking apps offer a basic free version, with additional features available for a subscription fee. When choosing an app, it is a good idea to check online reviews and ratings to find the one that best suits your needs.

In addition to using call-blocking apps, you can also register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This is a free service provided by the FTC, and it can help reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. However, it may not stop all scam calls, as fraudulent callers often disregard this list.

File a complaint with the FCC

If you are receiving unwanted calls from insurance companies, there are several steps you can take to block them. One option is to register your phone number on the National Do Not Call list. This service is free, and legitimate telemarketers will avoid calling phone numbers on this list. However, if you are already on this list and are still receiving unwanted calls, you may need to take additional steps.

One option is to file a complaint with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). The FCC takes unwanted calls very seriously and is committed to protecting consumers from illegal calls and spoofing scams. By filing a complaint, you can contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts and help identify trends and track issues. The FCC website provides a consumer complaint form that you can fill out to report unwanted calls.

When filing an FCC complaint about unwanted calls, it is important to provide as much detail as possible. Be sure to include the phone number that is receiving the unwanted calls, the date and time of the calls, and any relevant details about the calls, such as whether they are robocalls or live callers. You can also include any steps you have already taken to stop the calls, such as registering for the Do Not Call list.

It is worth noting that the FCC does not resolve individual complaints, but they use the information to inform policy decisions and potential enforcement actions. They may also share your complaint with other agencies, such as the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), if they have shared jurisdiction over the alleged violation.

In addition to filing an FCC complaint, you can also take other measures to block unwanted calls. Many phone service providers offer call-blocking features or apps that can help prevent these calls from reaching you. You can also download third-party call-blocking apps or adjust your phone settings to block unknown callers.

File a class-action lawsuit

If you're tired of receiving endless calls from insurance companies, you may be considering legal action to put a stop to it. Here's a guide on how to file a class-action lawsuit against insurance companies for making unsolicited calls:

Understanding Class-Action Lawsuits

Before initiating a class-action lawsuit, it's important to understand what it entails. In an insurance class action, one or more policyholders sue an insurance company on behalf of other policyholders who have endured similar harm. This type of lawsuit is often pursued when an insurance company engages in a uniform practice of denying certain types of claims or committing fraud regarding premiums or policy benefits.

Steps to Filing a Class-Action Lawsuit:

• Consult with Attorneys: Reach out to law firms that have experience in handling both insurance matters and class-action suits. They can advise you on the pros and cons of filing individually or as part of a class. For instance, consider contacting Gianelli & Morris, a law firm with a track record in insurance class-action lawsuits.
• Determine the Class: Identify other policyholders who have suffered similar harm due to the insurance company's practices. This could be unfair claims denials, sales practices, or other fraudulent actions. Ensure that the class has a substantial number of members, as federal procedure states that class actions are appropriate when uniting all affected parties becomes impractical.
• Hire a Law Firm: All impacted policyholders, referred to as "class members," can collectively hire a law firm to represent them as a group. This group is known as "the Class."
• File the Lawsuit: It only takes one person to initiate the claim, but others must join for the case to proceed. Consult with your chosen law firm on the specific procedures and requirements for filing the class-action lawsuit.
• Notification to Class Members: Once the class-action lawsuit is filed, individuals who are part of the affected group will typically receive a notice about the suit. This notice gives class members the option to opt out of the recovery if they choose to do so.
• Attorney Fees: Class-action attorneys usually work on a contingent fee basis, meaning their fees are based on the outcome of the case. If there is no recovery, no fee is owed. The law firm representing the class often advances all the costs of the suit, and class members are generally not asked to pay out of pocket.
• Court Approval: It's important to note that class-action attorneys' fees must be approved by a court. Additionally, judges play a role in approving class-action settlements, providing checks and balances to protect the interests of class members.

Alternative Options:

Before pursuing legal action, it's worth trying some alternative options to stop unwanted calls:

• National Do Not Call Registry: Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to prevent unsolicited sales calls. This service is completely free, and you can report unwanted calls if you're still receiving them after registering.
• Call Blocking: Utilize call-blocking technologies or apps to prevent scam calls and illegal robocalls from reaching you. Many cell phones, home phones, and landlines have built-in call-blocking features. Additionally, there are various call-blocking apps available for both iPhone and Android devices.

By following these steps and understanding the process, you can effectively file a class-action lawsuit to put an end to unwanted calls from insurance companies and seek compensation for any harm caused.

Change your phone number

Changing your phone number can be an effective way to stop unwanted calls from insurance companies and telemarketers. By getting a new number, you can essentially start fresh and leave behind the people and companies that you don't want to be able to contact you.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to this approach. Firstly, you will need to update all your friends, family, and various personal and business accounts with your new number, which can be time-consuming and tedious. Additionally, there is no guarantee that you won't receive unwanted calls on your new number. It may have belonged to someone else previously, and you may continue to receive calls intended for them.

Another possible issue is the risk of identity theft. After a phone number is discarded, it is typically recycled and given to a new customer after a certain period. If your old number falls into the wrong hands, your identity and personal information could be compromised, leading to potential legal and financial problems.

Finally, changing your phone number can create communication inconsistencies, especially in a business context. You may lose access to important call history and records, and it can take time and effort to reconnect the dots for seamless end-to-end communication.

Therefore, while changing your phone number can be a viable option to stop unwanted calls, it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and take the necessary precautions to avoid any negative consequences.

Frequently asked questions