How to Register for Do Not Call List
Both home and mobile phone numbers can now be registered -- free of charge -- on the "do not call list" by logging on to the Web site http://donotcall.gov.
"When Americans are sitting down to dinner or a parent is reading to his or her child, the last thing they need is a call from a stranger with a sales pitch," said President Bush in announcing the opening of the do not call registry program.
Up to three phone numbers at once can be registered through the Web site, while persons registering by phone will only be able to list the phone number from which they are calling.
Persons living in states east of the Mississippi River will not be able to register by phone until July 7, but can register via the Web site immediately. Those living west of the Mississippi can register by phone or Web site immediately, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officials.
Violating Callers Will Face Stiff Fines
After Oct. 1, telemarketers who call numbers registered with the list could be fined up to $11,000 per call, along with facing civil lawsuits from consumers and state attorneys general.
Not all callers are bound to observe the list. Nonprofit, charity and political callers are exempt from the list, bull are require to honor direct requests from those who ask not to be called back. Business that sell a product to a customer will be allowed to call them for 18 months after the date of the sale, but will also have to honor do not call back requests.
FTC officials expect over 60 million households to sign up for the "do not call list."
