Is this something familiar?
Do you get such messages through SMS or whatsapp? How about calls from telemarketers?
I do and they irritate the hell out of me!
I am sure we are all used to such spam that come through the email.... and it is easily solved by sending them all to Junk Mail folder. But how do we handle the texts that come to our mobile phones?
I have been getting a frustratingly increasing number of such messages and I really wondered how to get rid of them all. Some give us the options of 'unsubscribing' . ... as if I have the time to unsubscribe individually to all! Worse, I don't even remember subscribing to any, in the first place! Then , there would be those that give us no choice of unsubscribing and we just have to live it.
Housing agent, tuition agencies, useless advertorials.......urgh! I have not included those endless telemarketing calls from unfamiliar numbers that I do (unfortunately) answer at times.
Thank goodness...this may be the answer to getting rid of the spam texts and advertorial calls!
The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
This PDPA governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal data by private organisations. As individuals, we reap benefits such as having greater control over how our personal data is being collected, used and disclosed and also being able to access and correct our personal data held by these organisations.
One way to avoid unwanted texts and calls is through the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry.
I was fortunate to be at the pre-launch talk to find out more about this process (thanks Omy!). We were first showed a video on how our personal data is collected and disclosed by various organisations . You will be surprised to know that most of the time, we do not even realise that we are making ourselves vulnerable to these organisations through our own everyday acts.
As you can see from the video, we are probably giving away own personal information every other hour thus, making ourselves easy preys for the telemarketers. However, you can now take charge of that and register yourself with Do Not Call (DNC) Registry and be rid of the unwanted texts and calls!
What is the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry? How does it work?
The DNC is a national database for subscribers to register their Singapore telephone numbers if they choose not to receiver unsolicited telemarketing messages.
It consists of 3 registers:
It consists of 3 registers:
1. No Voice Call register
2. No Text Message register
3. No Fax Message register (apply with your land line even if you do not own a fax machine)
Starting from 2 January 2014, organisations MUST check the DNC Registry before making any telemarketing calls. Unless clear consent has been obtained by us (consumers) , they CANNOT send unsolicited messages to telephone numbers that have been earlier registered on the DNC registers.
Isn't that a breather for those who are constant victims of such activities? (I honestly do get a lot ... and I always wonder how in the world these organisations obtained my number!)
SO, wait no more. Register now... save yourself the redundant headaches!
To make our lives easier, there are 3 registration methods ... just choose the one most convenient for you!
Online Registration (I am all for online!)
Visit www.dnc.gov.sg
You will be required to enter the OTP (one-time password) sent to your device.
 |
| You will see this notification when you have successfully registered. |
SMS Registration
Send "DNC" to
78772 - All 3 registers
78773 - No Voice Call
78774 - No Text Message
78771 - Menu for more options (including to de-register)
Toll Free Number Registration
Call the following numbers:
1800 248 0772 - All 3 registers
1800 248 0773 - No Voice Call
1800 248 0774 - No Text Message
1800 248 0771 - Menu for more options
[Do use Online or SMS method if you subscribe to Caller -ID blocking]
Some things to note!
You may still receive telemarketing calls/texts after registration :
a) Within 60 / 30 days after registration
b) If you have given any clear consent to any organisation (before or after registration) for telemarketing
c) If the organisations involved are not local
Upcoming Consumer Talks
The Personal Data Protection Act and What It Means To You
Date: 15 January 2014, Wednesday
Time: 7.00 - 8.30 pm
Venue: Central Public Library
Fee: FREE
To register: Visit the following site http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/Programmes/Business/51530/The_Personal_Data_Protection_Act_And_What_It_Means_To_You.aspx
Knowing Your Choices : Personal Data Protection Act & Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act
DAte: 18 January 2014, Saturday
Time: 9.30 - 12.00 pm
Venue: NTUC Centre
Fee: $5 (exclusive GST)
To register: Visit www.case.org.sg/seminars.html
Fret no more, hop over and register!
For more details, hover on to www.pdpc.gov.sg
Protect yourself from the unwanted!
3 comments:
Telemarketing can be an effective tool for your business and it can be an easy and effective way to increase your profits and promote your product or service.
Maybe, I don't deny that totally. However, this provides an option for those who do not want to receive (like me!) . Ultimately, it is your choice.
Thank you for sharing such an informative article...
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