How to stop unwanted telemarketing calls

-- Register. You can place your home and cellphone number on the national Do Not Call registry or confirm your registration is valid at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 888-382-1222.

-- Tell them to stop. If you don't want a business to call you again, say so and register your phone number on the national Do Not Call registry. If they call back, they're breaking the law.

-- Report unwanted calls. According to federal regulators and private companies, the first and last line of defense against unsolicited telemarketers is getting consumers to report the calls, either through companies like PrivacyStar or directly at www.donotcall.gov.

-- Know Your Rights. You can quiz live callers on why they are calling and who they are. The law says telemarketers must tell you it's a sales call, the name of the seller and what they're selling before they make their pitch. If they won't or can't provide that information, that's a sign the caller is trying to scam you. Tell them "no thanks" and hang up. If you ask them to remove you from specific call list, they have to comply.

-- Timing is everything. By law, companies are only allowed to call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

-- Ask your phone service provider if they have tools to help you combat unsolicited calls, including call blocking or partnering with companies like Nomorobo.

-- Use available technology. Both Android smartphones and iPhones have apps to help identify and even report unsolicited calls.

-- Don't engage robocallers. Do not press any keys, including when prompted to speak to a live operator or take your number off the list. That will likely lead to more calls. You can report callers who are rude or abusive, even if the call doesn't violate the Do Not Call list.