The National "Do Not
Call" List
How to register -- and
how to complain if you still are called.
 | Register by calling toll-free to 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you
wish to register. The TTY is 1-866-290-4236 (text telephone for hearing
impaired). Or . . . |
| Register on-line at
www.donotcall.gov. You will need to provide an e-mail address for
confirmation, but only your phone number will be kept in the registry. |
| You can register home phones and cell phones. Registered numbers will
be put on the national Do Not Call list for five years, but a number can
be taken off the list at any time. The list is managed by the U.S. Federal
Trade Commission (FTC). |
| The federal law requires commercial telemarketers to search the
registry every three months and remove numbers from their call lists.
(Beginning in 2005, telemarketers will have to update their lists every 31
days.) Telemarketers that violate the rules may be fined up to $11,000 per
call. |
| Consumers can expect fewer calls within three months of signing up for
the registry. (That will be reduced to 31 days in 2005). |
| If you register and still receive a call after 90 days following the date you register, you may file a complaint by calling the registry number,1-888-382-1222, or going to the FTC web site: www.donotcall.gov. Just follow the directions to file your complaint. You must file your complaint with the FTC Do Not Call registry. |
Some telephone callers are exempt from the Do Not Call law, including charities, political organizations, and telephone surveyors. Also, if you have a business relationship with a company, it is exempt from the rules for up to 18 months after the latest purchase, payment, or delivery. But, note: If you TELL such business telemarketers not to call you again, they must not call you. If a professional fund-raiser calls you on behalf of a charity, and you tell them not to call again, they also must put you on their do-not-call list