Since January 1, call centers can no longer use numbers beginning with 06 or 07. But that’s not all.
It’s part of what changed at the turn of 2023 for consumers. In order to fight against the cold calling abusive, call centers are no longer authorized to use the numbers in 06 and 07, they are no longer assigned to them.
A ban that offers another advantage, namely that of circumventing for a time the future shortage of these numbers because 90% of the possible combinations have already been assigned.
Canvassing: Special numbers
Thus, these canvassing platforms will only be able to use numbers beginning with 09 37, 09 38 and 09 39.
These numbers in 09 can also be used to send messages announcing the delivery of packages or the arrival of a driver.
A ban on weekends and public holidays
Olivier Gayraud, jurist of the consumer defense association CLCVbelieves for its part to franceinfo that“We have to go much further than that. We are convinced that we must go as far as banning unsolicited telephone canvassing”.
In addition, the decree published in the Official Journal indicates that in March, the measure will be further reinforced:
Telephone canvassing of consumers is authorized from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is, however, prohibited on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
What fines are expected?
The decree further specifies that “when the consumer refuses this canvassing during the conversation, the professional refrains from contacting him or attempting to contact him before the expiration of a period of sixty calendar days from this refusal”.
In the event of non-compliance with these rules, an administrative fine of 75,000 euros for a natural person and 375,000 euros for a legal person may be applied.
However, the measure does not apply “If the consumer has given his express and prior consent to be called, the professional must justify this”.