Do Not Call Registry
See also: |
Digital TV Transition |
Fairness Doctrine |
Telemedicine |
Internet Safety Information |
Action On Telecommunication & Technology |
I understand the frustrations that result from the intrusiveness of some telemarketing
methods. It is inappropriate for telemarketers to create such a nuisance for many people and their families. The Do Not Call Registry was implemented in June of 2003, and was originally approved for five years. In February 2008, the registry was made permanent following the passage of the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007.
The registry gives consumers the opportunity to choose whether they would like to limit calls from telemarketers. If you would like to register your phone number, you can do so by going to www.donotcall.gov, or you can call 1-888-382-1222. Although this registry will eliminate most telemarketing calls, it is important to know that not all mass telephone calls will cease. Because of limitations in the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the following calls are still allowed, even if your number is on the registry:
- Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors.
- Calls from companies with which you have an existing business relationship.
- Calls from those to whom you’ve provided express agreement in writing to receive their calls.
If you decide to register, it is also important to keep in mind the following:
- Telemarketers have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you.
- Any telemarketers calling U.S. consumers are covered, regardless of where they are calling from.
- The Do Not Call Registry is a free service and the FTC does not allow third parties to register consumers. Please be wary of any third parties offering to do so.
- You may register up to three numbers online. The online registration process requires an active email address.
- When calling to register, you may only register one number and it is the phone number from which you are calling from.
On September 1, 2009, the FCC adopted an amendment prohibiting all pre-recorded telemarketing calls unless the consumer has provided an express agreement to receive such calls. It also adopted an amendment modifying the Telemarketing Sales Rule's method of calculating the maximum permissible level of "call abandonment."
To learn more about the Do Not Call Registry, the recently-adopted amendments and answers to frequently asked questions, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission's website or donotcall.gov.
Useful Links
Federal Communications Commission