Annoying call! Report to No Call List!!!!!

I started getting calls that are hangups from Phone Bank Sys about the same time I started getting mailings from PBS to renew donations for 2014.  I emailed Sarah at Phone Bank as suggested: 'Sarah@phonebanks.com'.  Now on to PBS, who is the root of the problem.

Thank you

Also have been receiving frequent calls from this number. For Android users - I created a contact on my phone with the number (517-203-1400), and turned on the "Block Contact" function. Hoping that this will be a simple and effective solution. I understand that donations can be hard to come by, and if this telemarketing company has been in business since 1983, they must be doing some good for somebody, but I have a schedule of my own and their calls don't fit into it.

Please remove my name and address from your people to annoy list.

I also keep getting calls from this number. I don't recognize it so I never pick up. I heard on radio that there are systems that, if you pick up, you can be charged for a call that is actually overseas. I don't know how that's done but anyhow, I think it's best not to answer.

BLOCK THIS NUMBER. I block all those annoying scammer numbers.

This number kept on calling us and hand up.
It so stupid.
Stopped annoying us...

Call around 5:30 CST every day this week. Given the response about PBS, I suspect that this company hoses the charities it contracts with, or they have seriously faulty equipment. GRrrrrrrr.  

We've received 7 calls from this company. They never leave a message and when we've answered there is no one on the line. The call in the evening, sometimes twice a night. The caller ID displays: "PHONE BANK SYST". Other comments on this website said that the company works for PBS. We have donated to the local PBS station, WHA, in the past. I called the station and asked if this company was calling on their behalf. I gave her the number and she verified that those calls were coming to me at their request. I asked that she get them off my back. She said that it would take about a week to become effective.

telemarketing they should be put out of business

I have emailed back and forth with Sarah Shaw and she insists that my business numbers (I gave her all 3 including the 800 number) are not on her call list so the calls are not coming from her.  I explained that I researched their exact recording online and all signs point that Phone Bank Systems are the people calling me.  I am an admin at a business and we do not have caller ID but as a place of business we want nothing to do with these calls because they disrupt productivity.  I couldn't get her to remove my numbers (since she said they are not on the list) so I continue to receive calls that are hang ups when I answer and that long message when I do not.  What can I do at this point?  Last time I took 2 days off I came into 25 messages and no word to lie 20 of them were that exact message and that's only on one of the 3 lines.

Someone please help me!

this number called me a couple of times and left no message so (in the process of cleaning off my "cloud message-machine") i decided to call them back and the recording i reached said something like

"we are a telemarketing company specializing in fund raising" (and there were no further useful details)

so i instructed Google Voice to block all future calls from that phone number.

done !

I do not pick up when the call comes in. Caller ID says Phone Bank System. Caller does not leave message.

I never pick up. Whoever calls never leaves message. Receive a call from the number every few weeks, I think.

ROBO CALLER claiming to represent non-profit charities.  Do not leave messages and do not answer phone on return call.  SCAMMER / FRAUDSTER

I contacted WTTW via email,  and let them know to stop calling me or I will report them to the police department as harassment.
They also called me another time on my cell phone using number 773-509-1111

None

STOP CALLING ME WTTW!!!!

I had 2 of these calls today, plus another one recently which I said, I will call YOU if I want to make a pledge.

Started getting calls from this number last week.  No message.  Interesting, I have been a PBS donor too in the past.

Please remove me from your call list.  248-625-7031  Thank you.

Constant annoying calls

This is an unwanted and unwelcome nuisance - calling y residence in Canada daily.

I have been getting these calls from this number; a message is never left.  It has become quite annoying. I usually do not answer my phone from a number I do not recognize.  From reading some of the comments, it seems calls from this telemarketing company are associated with PBS or MPT.  I, too, have a PBS/MPT connection.  PBS should be ashamed. If someone provides a contribution and other information to PBS, they should not be sharing such information.  I never gave permission to just give such information to a third party. I also find it an intrusion to be getting these calls. I find the replies of Sarah Shaw, President of Phone Banks, adversarial in tone.  I, too, am on the No Call Registrar.  If PBS/MPT thinks giving my phone number out to a telemarketing company is going to make me contribute more money,it will not. I contributed what my budget allows and that is all I intend to do.  Harassing someone for more is in poor taste. As for Phone Banks, I agree with some of the other comments, Sarah Shaw is earning a living and that is her main goal.  She does not care that she is invading my privacy, my home, and that I do not want to hear from her.  If this is what PBS/MPT intends to do, I will stop all contributions.

Phone Banks System is calling because it has been hired by PBS and/or another non-profit which you have previously done business with to follow up making calling to solicit previous subscribers, campaign donations, etc.  Although compelling in that there are results in raising additional funds when needed by these businesses, the ends do not justify the means when it involves breaking the laws.

Note: I have checked both the WTTW Chicago and PBS donation pages, there are no consent boxes or notices regarding third party soliciations/calls and/or autodialers.

Facts:

1) It IS LEGAL for a NON-PROFIt company or other company you have done business with to contact you without checking the Do-Not-Call Registry.  Transacting any kind of business-giving a donation, signing up for e-mails, etc. can imply consent to be contacted by the company and is one of the few exceptions to the Do-Not-Call Registry.  

2) You can request any non-profit or company to remove you from their call lists.  The best way to do this would be in writing, as they are legally required to comply with written requests.  In addition, many will do so when contacted by phone or email.  

3) Third Party for profit companies, hired by a non-profit, is NOT EXEMPT, from FTC rules.  What does this mean?  It means that Phone Banks Systems, hired by PBS (a non-profit), can make calls on behalf of PBS and not comply with with the Do-Not-Call Registry as long as the calls are made to PBS customers that have not requested to be removed from PBS' call list.  In addition, unlike non-profits who are exempt from FTC coverage, these for profit companies still have to follow the remaining FTC rules.

4) Robocalls/Autocallers: The FCC has updated its guidelines and written consent must be provided in order for companies to contact you using autodialers and pre-recorded messages.  This does not apply to regular phone calls, only autodialers and pre-recorded messages. there are a few exceptions to these rules.  The only exception that applies to non-profits is that written consent is not needed for informational calls only made by non profits themselves.  They cannot solicit donations, contributions, etc. using these means, they can only provide information to the customer or conduct surveys.  No money can be transacted and this exemption does not carry over to third party for profit companies working on their behalf.

5) As noted above, third party for profit companies are not excempt from these additional requirements.  As such, third party for profits cannot make any robocalls/autocalls without clear, written consent.  Any kind of written consent given to a non profit does not automatically carry over to a third party unless that is expressly provided for in the written consent obtained by the non profit.  In addition, third parties cannot make informational calls on behalf of a non profit without prior, written consent.

5) Picking Up Abandoned Calls: If autodialer is used and you pick up and are not connected to a live person within 2 seconds, it is considered an abandoned call.  A company is not allowed to have more than 3% of its calls be abandoned calls.  There are safe haven provisions for companies--1) can demonstrate is using technology that ensure no more than 3% of its calls are abandoned calls; 2) telephone will ring for 15 seconds or 4 rings before disconnecting; and 3) plays a pre-recorded message when a live person is unable to answer identifying the name and number on whose behalf the call was made

6) Pre-recorded messages: must identify opt out mechanism at the beginning of the call and be available during the duration of the call.  If this message is left on a machine, it must start in 2 seconds and include a toll free number with same automated opt-out procedures.  Again, written consent is required for any calls that are not informational only and only informational messages can be left with those customers that have had prior business contact.  All other calls require clear, written consent to this type of autodialer messaging.

Calling on cell number how do they get my number???????????

I've been getting calls on my cell from this number a lot. I thought the calls said the were originally coming from New York, but the last call received said it was from Michigan. I never answer it, but it sure is getting annoying

It's obvious by the tone of Sarah's reply to you that you really unloaded on her.  Your frustration is understandable.  So is her position.  But there are a few facts of life you should understand.  First:  What she says in her letter is correct.  If it were not effective, they would not be hired, and they would by necessity go out of business.  Second:  You are another person who does not understand the DNC rules or what it does.  Please read it.  https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov/faq/faqbusiness.aspx#who

You will notice that charities are exempt.  However, if you ask them to remove your number, they will.  They MUST do so within 31 days of your request.  After that, complain, then someone will listen to you.

Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt

Hi folks...yes, this is Phone Bank Systems calling...and yes, it is irritating....but too many people constantly complain that "I'm on the DO NOT CALL list!  I will sue them"  etc etc... It is highly recommended that you READ THE DNC RULES so that you can understand what is covered, what is not, and who can call and who can not. Just because you are in the Register, it does NOT mean you will not receive calls.  Whoever you have a business relationship with is authorized to call you, and if you have not opted out of THEIR programs, their THIRD PARTY partners can ALSO call you.  

Here is an excerpt for you, which covers this incident:

BASIC DNC INFORMATION

Who May or May Not Call?

Who is covered by the National Do Not Call Registry?

The National Do Not Call Registry applies to any plan, program, or campaign to sell goods or services through interstate phone calls. This includes telemarketers who solicit consumers, often on behalf of third party sellers. It also includes sellers who provide, offer to provide, or arrange to provide goods or services to consumers in exchange for payment.

The National Do Not Call Registry does not limit calls by political organizations, charities, or telephone surveyors.

Notice the last sentence:  CHARITIES ARE EXEMPT.  POLITICAL CALLS ARE EXEMPT.  SURVEYS ARE EXEMPT.  This Phone Bank System is working for a charity.  Their calls are allowed.  Complain all you want, nobody will do anything about it.  You must ask them to remove your number.

Also remember, your number stays on the Register for 5 years, then you must renew it.  To add a number, or renew your number, call 888-382-1222.

Here's a link with everything you need to know about DNC.  "Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."

https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov/faq/faqbusiness.aspx#who

I hung up when I saw the number - one I have seen too many times in the past.