There are many legitimate telemarketers offering valuable products and services to the public. To help you determine whether you are dealing with one of these businesses you can ask the following questions:

• “What is the name and contact information of the company you are working for?”
• “Are you licensed with Consumer Protection BC?”
• “Will you mail me a package of information I can review on my own time?”
• “Is there a phone number I can call you back at?”

If a telemarketer catches you at a bad time and you want to end the conversation or you are feeling pressured into a sale, try using the following phrases:

• “I need some time to think about this, at what number can I call you back?”
• “Please put my name and number on your Do Not Call list.”
• “Sorry, I have a policy never to buy anything over the phone.”
• (For third party donations) “I’ve already allocated my donations for the year.”
• “No thank you” (it’s okay to hang up, especially if you’ve said NO several times)