Privacy Technologies TeleZapper

Description

Not only does this handy gadget screen telemarketing calls for you, it also helps to ensure they won t keep trying to get ahold of you. The TeleZapper from Privacy Technologies plugs into any phone or phone jack. It works by emitting a special tone that makes your number appear disconnected to computer-generated calls. Eventually, as your number is eliminated from lists, the calls become a rarity, rather than routine. It won t interfere with manually dialed calls, answering machines, voicemail, Caller ID or Call Waiting. However, it may remove your number from the lists of organizations that use dialer computers. Easy installation. No monthly fees or service charges. AC adapter and phone cord included. Charcoal gray. No. MTZ800C. Imported. 1Hx4Wx4D"When you ve had your dinner interrupted by a telemarketer one too many times, treat your phone line and yourself to the Telezapper. It s a simple, one-time-cost solution to the problem of annoying telemarketing calls.

Here s how it works: Given that more than 90 percent of telemarketing calls are placed with computer assistance, when either you or your answering machine answers the phone, the Telezapper emits a special tone that tells the computer your number has been permanently disconnected. Telemarketing companies that use automated dialing systems typically remove disconnected numbers from their calling lists, and as your phone number is eliminated from more and more telemarketing lists, you ll notice fewer calls. Of course, not all telemarketers use predictive dialing systems, and those that do will undoubtedly work to evade the Telezapper, but it can be a partial solution.

For the most part, regular callers are unaffected by the Telezapper, but it may "zap" calls from other organizations that use the same predictive dialing technology (such as charities, pollsters, and automated emergency weather systems) and from callers who use certain types of calling cards. (For more information, click FAQ, or frequently asked questions, in the left navigation bar.)

In our tests of the Telezapper, installation took just seconds. We plugged the Telezapper into our phone line and our phone into the Telezapper and then connected the AC adapter. It was that simple. There are no moving parts to wear out and no batteries to replace.

We field-tested the Telezapper for several weeks, and during that time, we noticed a significant reduction in telemarketing calls. Of course, this was not a scientific study, and we cannot with certainty attribute our results to the Telezapper, but the device seemed to work well for us.

The Telezapper includes a phone cord, power adapter, and instructions. Privacy Technologies backs the device with a one-year warranty. --Mike Brown, with Ariel Meadow Stallings

Pros

• Reduces telemarketing calls placed by predictive dialing systems
• Doesn t interfere with most normal calls
• Inexpensive, one-time-cost solution
• Extremely easy to install and use

• May "zap" some desired calls
• Annoying beep every time the receiver is lifted