telemarketing

business

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "telemarketing" refers to the marketing of goods or services over the telephone. This practice, first recorded in 1963, involves businesses using phone calls to promote and sell their products or services.1

It is important to distinguish this from "telemarking," which is an act or sport and was first known in 1905.2

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Federal Trade Commission
…under the provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR).
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…under the provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR).
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public opinion
Criticisms and justifications
…most-developed countries and especially where telemarketing is more prevalent. It is still the case, however, that many people enjoy answering questions and offering their opinions on any number of topics—just as there are organizations willing to pay for such insight into the views and attitudes that make up public opinion.
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…most-developed countries and especially where telemarketing is more prevalent. It is still the case, however, that many people enjoy answering questions and offering their opinions on any number of topics—just as there are organizations willing to pay for such insight into the views and attitudes that make up public opinion.
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white-collar crime
Common characteristics
…common types of fraud involves telemarketing schemes that misrepresent the value, the terms of sale, or the use of the goods or services being sold.
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…common types of fraud involves telemarketing schemes that misrepresent the value, the terms of sale, or the use of the goods or services being sold.
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