Telemarketing

A telemarketer is not allowed to call you:

• Monday to Friday before 9:00 am or after 9:30 pm local time
• Saturday & Sunday before 10:00 am or after 6:00 pm local time
• on a statutory holiday
• more than once in a 30-day period in respect to the same offer

To stop calls from legitimate telemarketers, sign up with the National Do Not Contact List. This won’t stop fraudulent calls. If you get a scam call, contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Register your number on the National Do Not Call List.

Report a scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

There are certain types of businesses that don’t need a telemarketing licence. They include:

• charities who contact you directly to fundraise (but a third party calling on behalf of them does)
• savings institutions
• educational institutions
• businesses conducting surveys 
• political organizations

Here are some tips to help you decide if a telemarketer is the real deal:

• Do some research about the company and their product or service. You can check their licence and contact your local Better Business Bureau for information about the business.
• If a charity is soliciting donations over the phone, it’s a good idea to ask for information to be sent to you in writing before committing to a donation.
• Before making a purchase over the phone, ask to see a copy of the contract first. This way you can review any terms and conditions that may apply.

Find one of our licensed telemarketers. 

Search the Canada Revenue Agency list of registered charities. 

If you make a purchase over the phone, you probably entered into a distance sales contract. We oversee elements of these types of contracts and you may have some cancellation rights.

get help with an online or telephone purchase.