Wednesday, November 18, 1998

Getting their number

Readers tell us many telemarketers are still blocking their numbers and calling anonymously, despite a new state law that the names of solicitors and their telephone numbers must show up on Caller ID.

Companies that don't comply can be fined up to $1,000 a day, and Texans are welcome to file complaints with the Texas Public Utility Commission. PUC rules also say telemarketers must identify themselves by name, identify the business for whom they care calling and provide a working telephone number.

If you're still receiving "unknown" telemarketing calls and want to report a violation, the PUC's correct toll-free number is 1-888-782-8477. You can send complaints by

e-mail to customer@puc.state.tx.us or by fax to 512-936-7003. Or you can write to the PUC Office of Customer Protection, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, TX 78711-3326.