Most have heard about it, and some have even taken advantage of it, but there are still a lot of folks that either don’t believe it will work or feel it must be too difficult to do. Those people are still being interrupted by unwanted calls during dinner time or during their favorite television show. In fact, in this day of auto-dialers and prerecorded automated voice calls, half the calls you leave the couch or dinner table for, end up being hang-ups or just dead air.
The Do-Not-Call Registry was created for you. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established this national registry to enable consumers, such as yourself, to eliminate most telemarketing calls, simply by making one call to the FTC or a single visit to their web site.
What is the National Do-Not-Call Registry and how will it work for me?
The do-not-call registry is made up of the telephone numbers of consumers who ask to be removed from telemarketers’ call lists. Telemarketers are required to access this registry and remove any numbers that have been placed in the database from their call lists. They must update these lists every 90 days.
Registered telephone numbers will remain on the national registry for five years, after which time you will need to renew. According to the FTC, consumers should see a reduction in telemarketing calls within 90 days of placing their number on the national registry. If you continue to experience calls after this time, you may file a complaint with the FTC.
How do I sign up?
There are two available options to make it even easier to resister. Online registration is available at www.donotcall.gov or you can register by calling toll-free to 888-382-1222. If you plan on registering by phone, you must call from the number you wish to resister. There is no cost to register.
Though a substantial amount of your telemarketing calls will end, there are some companies that are exempt from the federal list. These companies may include long-distance telephone companies, airlines and insurance companies that operate under state regulations. Companies you have a business relationship with are also exempt from the registry. Solicitations from non-profit organizations for charitable donations are also exempt.
As you can see, it’s quick and it’s easy, so sit down and enjoy your meal or that television show without the irritation of unwanted interruptions.
For more information, visit the web at www.ftc.gov/donotcall.
