Stopping unwanted phone calls, mail and visitors

Do you realise that you don’t have to put up with annoying phone calls at inconvenient times, or at all? Federal legislation and self-regulation by direct marketers give you the power to control what type of phone calls you receive.

Under the Privacy Act all businesses must have a privacy policy and adhere to principles relating to how your personal information is collected, used and kept safe. You have the right to know what information a business keeps about you and amend it if it is incorrect. Importantly, businesses cannot use your personal information without your permission.

In addition, the Financial Services Review Act prohibits “hawking of financial products”. The provisions are intended to prevent “pressure selling” through unsolicited phone calls and meetings. Calls outside the hours 8.00am to 9.00pm are prohibited, as are calls on Sundays and public holidays.  

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) recommends that you do not accept any unsolicited offers and deal only with licensed Australian financial service organisations. All offers and recommendations made to you must be in writing and fully consider your personal circumstances and needs – something that cannot be done over the phone!

If you do get calls you don’t want, you can stop those providers calling you again. Ask for the name of the company they represent and their contact details and advise them you wish to be removed from their calling list. Under national privacy legislation, they are not permitted to call you again.

A better course of action is to register your name on the Federal Government's "Do Not Call Register" at www.donotcall.gov.au, or call 1300 792 958, or write to Do Not Call Register, PO Box 42, North Melbourne VIC 3051 with your details.

However, be aware that groups such as charities, research companies, political parties and educational institutions are still permitted to contact you.  

You also have the right to decide who comes to your door. The “Do Not Knock” law prohibits unlawful selling door-to-door if a “Do Not Knock” sticker is displayed on a property. For more information, including obtaining a sticker, visit www.donotknock.org.au.