Do Not Call Registry – Stop Unwanted Telemarketers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began the National Do Not Call Registry in 2003 to limit the number of telemarketing calls consumers receive.
Federal law prohibits most telemarketers from calling any phone number on the registry and requires telemarketers to search the registry every 31 days. A telemarketer who ignores the Do Not Call Registry could be fined up to $16,000.
Place your phone number on the registry:
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Online at www.donotcall.gov, if you have a working e-mail address; or
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By calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to register.
Registration is free, and your phone number stays on the registry until it is disconnected and reassigned, or until you choose to remove the number from the registry.
If your number is disconnected and reconnected, you may need to re-register.
The Do Not Call Registry will not stop:
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Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors;
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Calls from organizations with which you have an established business relationship up to 18 months after your last purchase, payment, or delivery;
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An unlisted or unpublished phone number will not stop unwanted calls.
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Companies to which you’ve made an inquiry or submitted an application can call you for three months. Carefully read any questionnaires or surveys you submit; it may be an attempt to establish a business relationship. Also, make sure to read anything you sign, such as sweepstakes forms or requests for “free” products; it may be an attempt to get your written permission.
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Companies you have done business with may sell your information to other organizations or businesses.
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Companies can also get your number if you or a member of your household enters a contest or drawing.
Complaints
Direct your complaints regarding unwanted telemarketing calls to the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-888-382-1222 or visiting www.donotcall.gov/Complain/ComplainCheck.aspx.
For more information or to confirm a registration, visit the National Do Not Call Registry website.