Anti-telemarketing Do Not Call List Tops 50 Million

More than 50 million Americans who are sick and tired of being disturbed by telemarketers have now registered their phone numbers with the National Do Not Call List, designed to greatly reduce telemarketing calls. In addition, nearly 5,000 telemarketing firms have purchased all or segments of the list, as required by law.

Consumers have registered more than 50 million phone numbers with the National Do Not Call registry, and in anticipation of the October 1 compliance requirements, nearly 5,000 telemarketers have purchased all or segments of the list. Specific information about accessing telephone numbers and downloading files from the national registry is available at www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/08/tmkraccessinfo.htm.Additional information is provided on the telemarketer Web site, www.telemarketing.donotcall.gov. An updated chart showing the registrations for each state is available at www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/09/030917dncstates.pdf.

The FTC reminds consumers that registering with the Do Not Call registry will not end all telemarketing calls. Consumers may still receive calls for 18 months from businesses from which they have made a purchase or payment. If a consumer has requested information from a company, that company may call them for three months. Charities, political organizations, and organizations conducting surveys are not covered by the Do Not Call provisions. Consumers who have registered their telephone numbers after August 31 should see a reduction in unwanted calls approximately three months after registration.

The FTC also reminds consumers that the Do Not Call Internet registration is a two-step process that requires consumers to enter the phone number they wish to register and their email address, and then confirm their registration by clicking on a link in the e-mail from the National Do Not Call Registry. [Federal Trade Commission press release]

Also See: How to Register for the Do Not Call List