Before you can begin fighting back, you have to find out who is faxing you. Phone companies will not provide account information for toll-free numbers(reverse lookups). There are some reverse lookup web sites, like http://inter800.com. Unfortunately, the companies that send junk faxes will often not be found in the listings. Another option is conducting a general Internet search for the number, the company’s website may be returned or some other information about the junk fax senders.

My advice is not to bother with the "remove me from the database” phone number usually provided on the fax. The “removal” number will often be eternally busy or disconnected. In some cases they will sell your name and number to someone else after you have requested to be removed. In the worst case they will even attempt to sell you something when you call to be removed. Call the business number, the number they provide if you want to buy what they are selling. Ask for their company name, mailing address, phone number and any other information.

Another tactic to block the numbers user to send junk faxes. Most fax machines and desktop fax packages have the ability to block incoming numbers. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 requires that the identity of the sender to be clearly displayed on the fax. Do not throw away any junk fax. Place all the faxes in a file for future use.

Call, email, write, and fax the companies. Be sure to include the following in any letter or conversation:

1. A request that they not send you faxes
2. A request that they remove your number from their list,
3. Remind them that you do not have a business relationship with them
4. Remind them that Federal law prohibits them from sending faxes to numbers they do not have a prior business relationship with.

If you can discover their fax number, fax their junk back, with your request to be removed form their lists. I recommend sending back 3 pages for each page they send you, meaning if they fax you two pages, send them back six. Be sure to keep track of the companies and numbers you have complained to incase they continue to fax you afterwards.

Filing complaints on-line have been made simple. Fill-out form 475 and provide as much information as you can on the company faxing you. While the FCC may receive thousands of these complaints and my not take any action for some time, you may inform the junk fax senders that you have filed complaints and will continue to do so. Starting in January 2005 there will be more FCC regulations covering junk faxes, making it harder to for the fax senders to remain anonymous.

It is also important to note that faxes are NOT covered by “do-not-call” lists the same way telemarketing calls are.

Mey v. Herbalife International, Inc., et al.

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