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Stop Unwanted Telemarketing Calls
 
May 2006 T-170-3

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) started the National Do Not Call Registry in 2003 to limit the number of telemarketing calls consumers get at home. Federal law prohibits most telemarketers from calling any phone number on the registry and requires telemarketers to search the registry every three months. In fact, a telemarketer who disregards the Do Not Call Registry could be fined up to $11,000.

Place your phone number on the registry in two ways:
· On-line at https://www.donotcall.gov/register/Reg.aspx, provided you have a working e-mail address
· Call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the number you wish to register

Registration is free and your phone number stays on the registry for five years. At the end of five years, you can re-register.

Placing your number on the Do Not Call Registry will not stop all telemarketing calls.
· Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors are still allowed.

· Organizations with which you have an established business relationship can call you for up to 18 months after your last purchase, payment or delivery.

· 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 be careful to read anything you sign, such as sweepstakes forms or requests for “free” products; it may be an attempt to get your written permission.

· An unlisted or unpublished phone number will not stop unwanted calls. Companies you have done business with may sell your information to other organizations or businesses. Companies can also acquire 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 either by calling 1-888-382-1222 or visiting its web site at https://www.donotcall.gov/Complain/ComplainCheck.aspx.

For additional information, visit the National Do Not Call Registry Web site.