Are you tired of receiving unwanted telemarketing calls? Fortunately, there is a way to put a stop to them. By registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, you can prevent most telemarketers from contacting you. In this article, we’ll explore how to register on the Do Not Call List, what types of calls are covered, and what to do if you still receive unwanted calls after registering.
What is the National Do Not Call Registry?
The National Do Not Call Registry is a list of phone numbers that telemarketers are prohibited from calling. The registry was created in 2003 as part of the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act, which was designed to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls.
Once your phone number is on the registry, most telemarketers will be required to stop calling you within 31 days. However, there are certain exemptions to the registry, such as calls from political organizations, charities, and companies with whom you have an existing business relationship.
How to Register on the Do Not Call List
Registering your phone number on the Do Not Call List is simple and free. Here are the steps to follow:
Online:
- Go to the National Do Not Call Registry website at donotcall.gov.
- Click on “Register Your Phone Number.”
- Enter the phone number you want to register. You can register up to three phone numbers at once.
- Provide your email address, which will be used to send a confirmation email.
- Click on “Complete Registration.”
- Check your email and click on the link in the confirmation email. This will confirm your registration and activate it.
By Phone:
- Dial 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register.
- Follow the prompts to register your phone number.
- Listen to the confirmation message that your number has been added to the registry.
TTY Users:
- Dial 1-866-290-4236 from your TTY device.
- Follow the prompts to register your phone number.
- Listen to the confirmation message that your number has been added to the registry.
Once your registration is complete, telemarketers will be required to stop calling you within 31 days. You can verify that your number has been added to the registry by going to the registration page and clicking on “Verify a Registration.”
What Types of Calls Are Covered?
The National Do Not Call Registry covers most telemarketing calls, including those made by live operators and pre-recorded messages. However, there are certain types of calls that are exempt from the registry, such as:
- Calls from political organizations
- Calls from charities
- Calls from companies with whom you have an existing business relationship
- Calls made for survey or research purposes
It’s important to note that while these types of calls are exempt from the registry, they are still subject to other laws and regulations that govern telemarketing practices.
What to Do If You Still Receive Unwanted Calls
If you continue to receive unwanted telemarketing calls after registering on the Do Not Call List, there are several steps you can take to stop them:
- Ask the caller to remove you from their list: If you receive a call from a telemarketer after registering on the Do Not Call List, politely ask them to remove your number from their list and not call you again.
- Report the call to the FTC: If you continue to receive unwanted calls, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC investigates complaints of telemarketing violations and can impose fines and penalties on violators.
- Block the caller: Many phone companies offer blocking services that allow you to prevent specific numbers from calling you. Check with your phone company to see if this service is available to you.
- Consider a call-blocking app: There are several call-blocking apps available for smartphones that can help you block unwanted calls. These apps use advanced algorithms to detect and block spam calls automatically.
Final Thoughts
Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry is a simple and effective way to put a stop to unwanted telemarketing calls. By following the steps outlined above, you can add your phone number to the registry and protect yourself from most telemarketers. If you continue to receive unwanted calls, there are several steps you can take to stop them, including asking the caller to remove you from their list, reporting the call to the FTC, blocking the caller, or using a call-blocking app. Don’t let unwanted telemarketing calls disrupt your day – take action today and join the millions of Americans who have already registered on the Do Not Call List.
FAQs
What is the National Do Not Call List?
The National Do Not Call List is a registry of phone numbers of consumers in Canada who do not wish to receive telemarketing calls.
How can I register my phone number on the National Do Not Call List?
To register your phone number on the National Do Not Call List, you can visit the website www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca and follow the registration process.
Is it free to register on the National Do Not Call List?
Yes, it is free to register your phone number on the National Do Not Call List.
How long does it take for my phone number to be removed from telemarketing lists?
It may take up to 31 days after registration for your phone number to be removed from telemarketing lists.
Does registering on the National Do Not Call List stop all telemarketing calls?
No, registering on the National Do Not Call List does not stop all telemarketing calls. Calls from political parties, charities, and companies with whom you have a business relationship are exempt.
Can I still receive calls from companies I have done business with?
Yes, you can still receive calls from companies you have done business with. However, if you ask them to stop calling you, they must comply.
How long does my phone number remain on the National Do Not Call List?
Once you register on the National Do Not Call List, your phone number remains on the list indefinitely.
What should I do if I receive an unwanted telemarketing call after registering on the National Do Not Call List?
If you receive an unwanted telemarketing call after registering on the National Do Not Call List, you can file a complaint on the same website where you registered your phone number.
Can I register a cell phone or fax number on the National Do Not Call List?
Yes, you can register both cell phone and fax numbers on the National Do Not Call List.
Can I remove my phone number from the National Do Not Call List?
Yes, you can remove your phone number from the National Do Not Call List at any time by visiting the same website where you registered your phone number.
Glossary
- National Do Not Call List: A list maintained by the Federal Trade Commission that allows consumers to opt-out of receiving telemarketing calls from most companies.
- Telemarketing: The practice of selling or promoting products or services over the telephone.
- Unwanted Calls: Telemarketing calls that are received by consumers without their consent or that they do not wish to receive.
- Consumer: An individual who uses products or services for personal use.
- Opt-out: The process of requesting to be removed from a telemarketing list.
- Federal Trade Commission: A government agency responsible for protecting consumers and promoting competition in the marketplace.
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act: A federal law that regulates telemarketing calls and prohibits certain practices, such as calling before 8 am or after 9 pm.
- Robocall: An automated telemarketing call.
- Do Not Call Implementation Act: A federal law that established the National Do Not Call List.
- Personal Information: Information that can be used to identify an individual, such as their name, address, and phone number.
- Registered Number: A phone number that has been added to the National Do Not Call List.
- Public Database: A database that is available to the public and contains information that can be accessed by anyone.
- Consent: Permission given by a consumer to receive telemarketing calls.
- Exemption: A category of telemarketing calls that are allowed even if a number is registered on the National Do Not Call List.
- Telemarketing Sales Rule: A federal law that governs telemarketing calls and includes provisions related to disclosures, payment methods, and other aspects of the sales process.
- Telemarketing Fraud: The practice of using telemarketing to scam or defraud consumers.
- TCPA Compliance: The process of ensuring that telemarketing calls comply with the requirements of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
- Caller ID: A feature that displays the phone number and/or name of the caller.
- Telemarketing Script: A written or spoken message used by telemarketers to sell or promote products or services.
- Telemarketing Do Not Call List: A list created by a company or organization that allows consumers to opt-out of receiving telemarketing calls specifically from that company or organization.
