Telezapper
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The Telezapper is a device designed to reduce the number of telemarketing-related phone calls a household receives. It works by taking all incoming calls and playing a one or three-tone out-of-service signal. Upon receiving this, an autodialer will hang-up and remove the just-called number from the telemarketer's database, thus reducing future call volume.
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How it Works
The original TeleZapper does indeed work by simulating the first tone of the series of standard intercept tones (SIT). The series consists of 3 tones. The telemarketer's computer (called a "predictive dialer") can be programmed to listen for 1, 2, or all 3 tones before deciding the number is disconnected, and removing the number from their list.
The predictive dialer checks for three conditions:
- The standard intercept tones (SIT), as described above,
- a short response, like "hello", in which case it puts you through to a salesperson, and
- a long response, such as an answering machine message, in which case it hangs up and re-cues your number to call back later or leaves a sales message.
Most predictive dialers now only listen for the first tone for speed reasons. More phone numbers can be dialed if there are fewer conditions to check.
Flaws In The TeleZapper
As the TeleZapper has grown in popularity, the telemarketers have set their dialers to check for two, or all three tones, resulting in the original TeleZapper becoming useless at it needs to play all three tones. In response, the makers of the TeleZapper have now released the TZ900 or the TeleZapper II. This device plays all three tones.
Another flaw is that the device does not work well with voice mail systems. This is because voice mail reroutes the call from your physical line to the voice mail service without your phone ever picking up, and the TeleZapper transmitting the SIT. The TeleZapper website explains it thus:
"I have voicemail from the telephone company. Will the TeleZapper work with this?Yes and No. Your telephone must go "off-hook" for the TeleZapper to emit its tone. As long as you pick up a call, the phone goes "off-hook" and the TeleZapper emits its tone to "zap" telemarketers. If, instead, the telephone company "answers" your calls through voicemail, your phone does not go "off-hook" and the TeleZapper cannot emit its tone. The TeleZapper will not interfere with the normal operation of your voicemail."</blockquote></blockquote>
Alternatives To The TeleZapper
Several alternatives to the TeleZapper exist.
One alternative to a TeleZapper is to obtain a recording of the SIT, and then record it at the start of your message on either your voice mail or answering machine. Such a recording can be either purchased or made by calling an invalid number, then recording the message that is played.
Another alternative is to sign up for a solicitation block through the local telephone company. Solicitation blocks are a pre-programmed message informing any caller that the number does not accept solicitation calls. While such blocks do not stop a solicitor from continuing the call, they do open them to significant legal penalties if they proceed.
External Links
TeleZapper website (http://www.telezapper.com/)
Sounds
- Download tone that the Telezapper makes when first picking up the line. This is the first tone in the three toned SIT (special information tone) or out-of-service signal.