Do you feel overwhelmed by the flood of junk mail and telemarketing calls you receive? Experts estimate that Americans receive almost two million tons of junk mail every year! Telemarketing calls are time-consuming and irritating.

How do companies get your name? It is probably part of a national advertising list used by direct marketers. Direct marketers sell their goods and services directly to consumers by using mail, catalogs, and telemarketing. The advertising lists are compiled from many sources and then sold to the direct marketers to use in marketing compaigns.

There are laws to protect consumers from telemarketing practices.

* Telemarketers may call only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

* They must tell you that they are selling something - and who is doing the selling before they make their pitch.

* Before you pay for any products or services, you must be told the total cost.

* You can stop unwanted calls from telemarketers by telling them not to call back. If they do, they're breaking the law. Report them to the Bureau of Consumer Protection at:

You can eliminate your name from large mailing lists which are sold to direct mail marketers. Your name will usually stay on the removal list for five years; then your name must be registered again. Information originating on this web page will assist you.

The following web pages will provide additional information about telemarketing: including tips, addresses, phone numbers