Everyone knows how annoying those telemarketer calls can be. It never fails- you are in the middle of dinner, running out the door, or in the shower, and the phone rings with the inevitable telemarketer on the other end. You may even get those annoying phone calls where all you get is a recording trying to sell you something. Luckily, there is an easy way to get yourself on the do-not-call list so that you can stop getting all those unnecessary calls.
What is a do-not-call registry?
The do-not-call registry is a national website that allows you to add your name to a list that telemarketers are not permitted to call. This registry is run by the
Federal Trade Commission
, an organization designed to protect the rights of consumers nationwide. Once your name and number have been added to the list, it can take 31 days to keep telemarketers from calling your home. If they do, you can file a complaint against them. It is very easy to get your name on the national
Do Not Call Registry
Canadian Telecommunications Commission
: Canadian Do-not-call registry
Direct Marketing Association
: Where to find state do-not-call registries
What do I need to do to get my name on that list?
When you click on the website you will simply need to click on the “register a phone number” tab. From here, you will be asked to register your home or your cell phone number, up to 3 different numbers at a time. You will also be asked for your email address. This is because the registry will send a verification email for each phone number that you wish to register. It is important to remember that you have 72 hours from the time you register to click the link in your email for your number to be put on the do-not-call list. If you do not, then your number will not be registered, and you may still receive telemarketing calls.
Will putting my name on the list end all advertising phone calls?
The number one question most people have is how many telemarketing calls will stop after they have registered. Most calls will stop, but there are some exceptions. Political and charity solicitations are not covered by the do-not-call registry, and telephone survey calls are still permitted. Additionally, if you have given a business your phone number and have willingly agreed to phone calls from them, you will possibly get telemarketing calls from that organization.
Does putting my name on the list mean an end to people calling my cell phone too?
Numbers listed on the do-not-call registry also apply to cell phones, so it may help to register your mobile online, as well.
Cell Phones
: The truth about cell phones and the do-not-call registry
What is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act?
The telephone Consumer Protection Act is the organization that protects consumers who receive telemarketing calls and regulates the telemarketing business. For example, the TCPA only allows telemarketing businesses to make phone calls between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm. They may also provide any consumer with a written policy if requested.
Telemarketing
: Fun ways to stop telemarketers
Getting your phone number on the national do-not-call registry can help keep the telemarketing calls to a minimum. While you may still get calls from survey companies, or find your business phone answering service has a charity called on it, the number of calls you have from telemarketers trying to sell you something will become virtually non-existent.