Because it is (already) December 30, 2022, let’s look at the actions that, in 2023, will be put in place to put an end to abusive canvassing in France.
In a summary list of all the new developments to come in terms of consumption, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) provides an update on the rules to regulate unsolicited calls from sellers on our personal lines.
From 1er January 2023, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications, Posts and Press Distribution (Arcep) prohibits commercial canvassing platforms from mass calling or sending SMS to individuals using numbers starting with 06 or 07.
This prohibition only applies to commercial prospecting, and does not concern non-profit associations and polling institutes. In addition, canvassing remains authorized in two very specific cases, if the call concerns an ongoing contract with a professional or the supply of newspapers, periodicals or magazines.
Haro on CPF fraud
In the same way, canvassing for the professional training account (CPF) is also prohibited, under the law of December 19, 2022 aimed at combating fraud in the personal training account. From 2023, it will be prohibited to canvass the holders of a personal training account by telephone, SMS, email or via social networks, if “this canvassing does not take place under a training action in progress between the holder of the CPF and the training organization” indicates the DGCCRF.
Sanctions will be applied in the event of non-compliance with these rules, with fines of up to 75,000 euros for a natural person and 375,000 euros for a legal person.
The private call centers of 06 and 07
With the widespread use of 10-digit mobile numbers, the most obvious solution for many of us is to turn a deaf ear, at the risk of missing an important call.
To be more easily identifiable, the call centers, which up to now approached a lot with numbers of the 06 or 07 type, will have to call with specific numbers.
From 1er January, three combinations will therefore be authorized: call centers will be able to use numbers beginning with 09 37, 09 38 or 09 39, according to Arcep’s decision dated 1er September 2022 modifying the decision establishing the national numbering plan and its management rules.
A better framed canvassing
In addition, later in the year, a limit on the hours and frequency of cold calling will be applied.
From 1er March 2023, telephone canvassing of consumers will only be authorized from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. However, it will be prohibited on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
In addition, the same professional will be prohibited from canvassing or attempting to canvass the same consumer by telephone more than four times during a period of thirty calendar days, in order to avoid telephone harassment.