How to Stop LendingTree Calls: Your Complete Guide
Tired of the relentless ringing and endless pitches? You’re not alone. Many LendingTree users find themselves bombarded with calls from lenders eager to secure their business. The good news is, stopping these calls is absolutely achievable. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to silencing those unwanted solicitations and reclaiming your phone.
How to Stop LendingTree Calls Directly
The most direct route to stopping LendingTree calls involves taking control of your account and contacting them directly. Here’s the breakdown:
- Access Your LendingTree Account: Log in to your LendingTree account on their website or mobile app.
- Review Your Consent Settings: Navigate to the “Privacy Settings,” “Communication Preferences,” or similar section within your profile. Look for options related to phone calls, text messages, and emails.
- Revoke Consent for Calls: Uncheck any boxes or toggle switches that grant LendingTree or their partners permission to contact you by phone. This is the key step.
- Contact LendingTree Directly: If the online options are unclear or insufficient, call LendingTree’s customer service number. Be firm and clearly state that you revoke your consent for phone calls and want your number removed from their call lists.
- Follow Up in Writing: Send a formal email or letter to LendingTree confirming your request to stop phone calls. Include your account information and phone number. This creates a documented record of your request.
- Maintain Records: Keep copies of all communication with LendingTree, including dates, times, and the names of any representatives you speak with.
Taking Additional Measures
Even after revoking consent through LendingTree, you might still receive calls. These additional measures can provide further protection:
- National Do Not Call Registry: Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. While this won’t stop calls from companies you have an existing business relationship with (like LendingTree initially), it can reduce solicitations from other lenders.
- Call Blocking Apps: Utilize call blocking apps on your smartphone. These apps identify and block spam calls, including those from unknown or unwanted numbers. Popular options include Hiya, Nomorobo, and Truecaller.
- Carrier Call Blocking: Contact your mobile phone carrier to explore their call blocking options. Many carriers offer services that identify and block potential spam calls before they even reach your phone.
- Report Violations: If LendingTree or its partners continue to call you after you’ve explicitly revoked consent and registered with the Do Not Call Registry, report these violations to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Understanding Why You’re Getting Calls
LendingTree, as a loan marketplace, connects borrowers with multiple lenders. When you submit a loan request, you often consent (either knowingly or unknowingly) to be contacted by these lenders. This consent can persist even after you’ve found a loan or decided against pursuing one. The key is to actively manage these consent settings and take the necessary steps to revoke them.
FAQs: Your LendingTree Call Concerns Answered
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions designed to equip you with all the information needed to stop those unwanted calls:
1. Why am I still getting calls even after unsubscribing from LendingTree emails?
Unsubscribing from emails and opting out of phone calls are often separate processes. You need to specifically revoke your consent for phone calls within your LendingTree account or by contacting them directly. Email unsubscribes don’t necessarily translate to phone call opt-outs.
2. Does registering with the National Do Not Call Registry automatically stop LendingTree calls?
No, not automatically. The Do Not Call Registry is effective for telemarketers who don’t have an existing business relationship with you. Since you initiated contact with LendingTree (even if only to explore loan options), they might argue they have an established business relationship. However, registering can still help reduce calls from other lenders. And if LendingTree continues to call after you’ve revoked consent and registered, you have grounds for reporting them.
3. How long does it take for LendingTree calls to stop after I revoke my consent?
It can take several business days, sometimes up to a few weeks, for your request to be fully processed and for the calls to cease entirely. Be patient but persistent. Continue to document any calls received after your opt-out request.
4. Will opting out of LendingTree calls affect my credit score?
No, opting out of LendingTree calls will not affect your credit score. It simply means you’re choosing not to receive phone solicitations from LendingTree or its partner lenders. This is a marketing preference and has no bearing on your creditworthiness.
5. What if I accidentally gave consent for calls without realizing it?
Many online forms and applications include pre-checked boxes or vague language that can easily lead to inadvertently granting consent. Review your LendingTree account settings carefully and revoke any consents you didn’t intentionally provide. If you’re unsure, contact LendingTree customer service to clarify.
6. Can I block specific lenders who are calling me repeatedly after I’ve opted out?
Yes! Absolutely. While you’re working to stop LendingTree at the source, block individual numbers that continue to call. This provides immediate relief from persistent offenders.
7. What information do I need to provide when contacting LendingTree to stop calls?
Be prepared to provide your full name, phone number, email address, and any account identifiers associated with your LendingTree account. This will help them locate your information and process your request efficiently.
8. Is there a difference between opting out on the LendingTree website versus calling their customer service?
While both methods should ultimately achieve the same result, calling customer service and following up in writing often provides a stronger and more traceable record of your request. Opting out online is a good first step, but direct communication can be more effective.
9. What recourse do I have if LendingTree continues to call me after I’ve taken all the necessary steps?
If LendingTree persists in calling you after you’ve revoked consent, registered with the Do Not Call Registry, and contacted them directly, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state’s Attorney General’s office. These agencies have the authority to investigate and penalize companies that violate telemarketing regulations.
10. Can I sue LendingTree for violating telemarketing laws?
While individual lawsuits are possible, they can be complex and costly. The FTC and state Attorneys General are generally better equipped to pursue legal action against companies engaging in widespread telemarketing violations. Reporting violations to these agencies is often the most effective way to hold LendingTree accountable.
11. Are text messages also included when I revoke consent for phone calls?
Not always. Explicitly state that you want to opt-out of both phone calls AND text messages. Many companies treat these communication channels separately, so it’s crucial to be clear in your request.
12. I used a temporary phone number when applying on LendingTree. How do I stop calls to my actual number?
This situation is tricky. First, log into LendingTree (if possible) and update the phone number to your actual number. Then, proceed with the steps outlined above to revoke consent for phone calls to your actual number. If you can’t access the account, contact LendingTree customer support and explain the situation. They may require verification to link your actual number to the application and process your opt-out request.
By taking these steps, you can effectively silence those unwanted LendingTree calls and regain control of your phone. Remember to be proactive, persistent, and document all your communications. Good luck reclaiming your peace!
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