Missed calls are spam

Missed-call tactic subject to anti-spam law

Telemarketing industry and commercial message senders using the "missed call" tactic to deliver pre-recorded telephone messages are subject to the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Ordinance.

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority said today it has received reports telemarketers are deliberately leaving missed calls by hanging up within one or two rings. When the recipient calls back and leaves their phone number the telemarketers play pre-recorded messages.

The office said pre-recorded telephone messages must comply with the rules for sending commercial electronic messages under the law. The sender information and an unsubscribe facility should be provided in the message.

Telemarketers should also ensure they do not make calls to numbers which have been registered on the Do-not-call Register for pre-recorded telephone messages.

People who have received unsolicited electronic commercial messages without sender information and unsubscribe facilities, or who are still receiving unsolicited commercial fax, SMS or pre-recorded messages after registering on the Do-not-call Register, can report to the office by calling 2961 6333 or sending this form.

Since the ordinance's December launch the office has received 2,000 contravention reports. Upon approach most senders are willing to co-operate and take remedial action. Click here for more information on the law.