If you enjoy being on the FTC's "Do Not Call" list as much as I do, listen to a word of advice. Make sure you, and your kids, avoid all these websites that claim to be giving away freebie iPods, flat screen TVs, or sweepstakes prizes. If not, the thing you might actually win is a renewed stream of telemarketing calls.
A reader recently pointed out some interesting language in the privacy policy of a "free sweepstakes" website that a friend of his had been foolish enough to join. By registering with the site, the privacy policy stated that one was agreeing that "such act constitutes an inquiry and/or application for purposes of the Amended Telemarketing Sales Rule, 16 CFR §310 et seq. (the "Rule"). Notwithstanding that your telephone number may be listed on the Federal Trade Commission's Do-Not-Call List, ... (the sweepstakes company) retains the right to contact you via telemarketing in accordance with the Rule."
No, I'm not going to name the sweepstakes operation, as I don't want to give them any free publicity. In any case, similar language is in the privacy policies of a number of other freebie websites. And even when they are not so explicit about voiding the Do Not Call list, the privacy policy of many of the giveaway sites say things like "We may sell the personal information that you supply to us and we may work with other third party businesses to bring selected retail opportunities to our members via direct mail, e-mail and telemarketing."
In a recent story I noted that, while privacy policies don't seem to be all that binding on the vendor, the reverse unfortunately does not seem to be the case. You can give away your privacy rights by "agreeing" to a privacy policy you never read.
As much a blessing as the Do Not Call list is proving to be, it is also making the telemarketers desperate to find new ways to prove they have an established relationship with you that allows them to call. And that means we all must keep in mind that freebies on the Internet often come with a steep price.
Read and post comments about this story here, or write me at Foster@gripe2ed.com.
12:29:33 AM 
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