The government is aware of the inconvenience caused by cold calling, but the recent measures that have been taken do not change much in the daily life of the French. A study by the UFC Que Choisir affirms that citizens are called no less than four times a week on unsolicited subjects.
Admittedly, telephone canvassing companies can theoretically only call you from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. In addition, telephone advisers no longer have the right to canvass you more than 4 times a month. And above all, they can no longer officially use numbers that start with 06 or 07 to contact you.
The reality, however, is very different and complaints on social networks continue to pile up. Faced with the surge, often close to harassment, it is however possible to get out of it by adopting a discourse that does not offend the call center agent, and which then allows you to avoid callbacks.
What reflex should you adopt in front of a teleconsultant?
If most French people adopt the reflex of hanging up on their interlocutor, this is probably the least effective method to get rid of them. Indeed, the latter have a habit of not letting go of prospects who would hang up on them: they will therefore be called back later, which can quickly turn into a nightmare.
On the other hand, you have to know how to cut short the conversation – while remaining polite. The whole objective is to hold a conversation with your interlocutor, without ever pronouncing the word “yes”. You have to be firm but polite, to prevent him from calling you back later.
In general, if you start the conversation with your teleconsultant, he will try to get you to talk as much as possible – and get “yes” or “no” type answers to move forward in his argument. From then on, you expose yourself to brainwashing which could well make you crack, or at most lose long minutes. Worse, some agents may consider a “yes” as a verbal agreement for a very real contract.
⚠️ The DPPP 35 imposes a fine of 350,000 euros against SAS COP VERT for telephone canvassing of 1,410,607 consumers in the context of energy renovation work contrary to art. L.223-1 para. 3 of the Consumer Code
? pic.twitter.com/QrWApRBUUS— DGCCRF (@dgccrf) February 15, 2023
For your security, it is always advisable to ask beforehand if the call is recorded. If this is the case, be very careful about the words you use so that they are not used to your detriment. If he does not let go, do not try to postpone the conversation to a later date: he will come back to the charge, better prepared and able to answer all your reluctance. These verbal contests are technical, you have to be prepared for them well in advance.
What is the risk incurred by direct sellers?
When you notify your teleadvisor of your refusal to be contacted again for a service, the latter no longer has the right to request you within 60 days. Unfortunately, this rule is too rarely respected, like the tranquility of the French who would have registered in the Bloctel directory. As a reminder, the latter serves as a bulwark against canvassing: advisers have an obligation to check that your number is not there before calling you.
As our colleagues point out the geek journal, Article L. 242-16 of the Consumer Code may impose a financial penalty of up to 375,000 euros for a legal entity that does not comply with the new decrees. The DGCCRF and Arcep monitor the actions of canvassing centers and the first sanctions have already fallen. Last February, SAS COP VERT suffered a fine of 350,000 euros for abusive telephone canvassing of 1,410,607 consumers as part of energy renovation work.
