If a number starting with 06 or 07, reserved for mobiles, or with 01 up to 05 (linked to the geographical location), seeks to reach you, have no more fears! This will not be a phone call to sell you a new product or service. Since January 1, commercial platforms must solicit you only by using an 09 followed by a 37, a 38 or a 39, according to the new national numbering plan established by Arcep, the authority telecommunications regulation.
An obligation which aims to “better protect users against abuse and fraud, with the creation of this new category of numbers in 09, the commercial nature of which can thus be clearly identified”, stipulates the site service-public.fr.
A prohibited practice under the CPF
“This helps identify direct sellers,” sums up Matthieu Robin, deputy director of studies at the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir. These numbers in 09 can also be used by companies in their relations with customers to signal, for example, the delivery of parcels, the arrival of a VTC driver, etc.
From March, cold calling will be even more regulated. The platforms will only be able to solicit you from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A professional will be prohibited from contacting the same consumer more than four times in a month. And if, in the conversation, you refuse to be canvassed, he will not be able to try to call you back for 60 days.
Another novelty at the start of the year: while many abuses have been observed, commercial prospecting (via telephone, SMS, email or social networks) within the framework of the personal training account (CPF) is now prohibited. .
“These new rules are far from sufficient”
So many measures that should help to fight against abusive canvassing. “There are advances but these new rules are far from sufficient”, however regrets Matthieu Robin of UFC-Que Choisir. The association campaigns for this practice to be strictly prohibited in all sectors unless the individual has made an express request to be solicited.
“Unlike other European countries like Germany, in France, we consider that the consumer is presumed to be consenting,” he continues. However, not only does this affect his peace of mind, but it can push him to choose an offer that is not suited to his needs. It is also an attack on competition. It is therefore a major subject which poses a real problem while the disputes are still numerous. »