Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit organization that protects consumers and encourages fair business practices in British Columbia. It responds to consumer and business inquiries/complaints, educates about rights and responsibilities, licenses and inspects industries, investigates violations of consumer protection laws, and recommends laws to the government. It also licenses and regulates segments of the telemarketing industry in BC to benefit consumers and industry professionals.

1. Telemarketing in BCBC consumers and businesses”

3. Promotes fairness & understanding in the marketplace, and

5. What do we do? We license and regulate segments of the telemarketing industry in BC. This information will benefit consumersand may be of interest to industry professionals.

6. WHO NEEDS A LICENCE WITH US? If a company contacts you to sell goods or services on behalf of themselves or a 3rd party, and they are taking payment over the phone, they are likely required to be licensed. Charities, educational institutions, political organizations, and firms doing surveys do not need to be licensed.

7. WHEN CAN TELEMARKETERS CALL YOU? Weekdays: between 9:00 am and 9:30 pm Weekends: between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm (your local time)

8. WHEN CAN’T TELEMARKETERS CALL YOU? No calls are permitted on statutory holidays. Also, a telemarketer should not contact you more than once every 30 days for the same good or service without your permission.

9. CONSUMER TIP: Before making a purchase over the phone, ask to see a copy of the contract first so you can make an informed choice.

10. CONSUMER TIP: Before agreeing to anything, ask for some time and do some research about the company. You can look them up on the Internet, contact your local Better Business Bureau or see if the company is licensed with us.

11. SCAM TIP: You should never have to pay money to receive a prize.

12. DO NOT CALL LIST: To curb telemarketing calls, sign up with Canada’s National Do Not Call List. For more information click here.

13. Have Questions? Give us a call. Consumers: 1-888-564-9963 (Toll Free) Businesses: 1-888-777-4393 (Toll Free) www.consumerprotectionbc.ca www.telemarketingrightsbc.ca