Websites Run 'Do Not Call' Scams, FTC Says

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has cited two Web site operators for falsely claiming to "pre-register" -- for a fee -- consumers with the Federal Trade Commission's National telemarketing "Do Not Call" Registry.

The FTC is seeking a temporary restraining order to immediately stop the deceptive claims made by Free Do Not Call List.org (FDCL.org) and National Do Not Call List.US (NDNCL.US), both based in Novato, California.

The Commission's complaint, consumers who respond to Web sites' claims and attempt to pre-register for the FTC's "Do Not Call" Registry receive an e-mail stating that their pre-registration has been received and that their information will been transmitted to the FTC as soon as the list becomes available. The Free Do No Call List Web site also allegedly directs consumers who want to stop receiving telemarketing calls to what it describes as "the Active list" at National Do Not Call List.US.

Once there, the complaint alleges that consumers are told that by subscribing to the service they can stop receiving such calls, as well as unsolicited faxes and junk mail. The cost for the service is between $9.99 and $17.99 per year. This site allegedly also falsely claims that it can place consumers on the FTC's "Do Not Call" registry.

"These scam artists are seizing on the public's interest in the 'Do Not Call' Registry," said Howard Beales, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "But the law doesn't allow third party profiteers to be in the do not call business. In fact, come this summer, it will be up to individual consumers to register their own phone numbers, for free, on the one and only bona fide national 'Do Not Call' Registry."

The Truth Is:
Beginning in July 2003, consumers will be able to put their telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, which telemarketers subsequently will be required to access. When registration opens in July, consumers can register for free in two ways: online or by telephone. The FTC will announce the Web site URL for online registration and the toll-free number in July.

As of October, it will be illegal for most telemarketers to call a number listed on the registry.

For More Consumer Information
To provide consumers with more information on the "Do Not Call" Registry, the registration process, and new Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) Amendments, the FTC has developed a Web site, which is located at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/donotcall/index.html. The site also contains information, available in both English and Spanish, for businesses to help them comply with the new TSR Amendments.

Avoiding 'Do Not Call' Scams
The FTC has also released consumer tips on avoiding 'Do Not Call' scams, such as:

Keep information about your bank accounts and credit cards to yourself - including the numbers, unless you know who you're dealing with.

 

Don't share your personal information if someone calls you claiming to represent a "Do Not Call" registry, an organization to stop fraud, or even the FTC itself.

 

If you get such a call, either hang up immediately or write down the caller's organization and phone number and report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP, or to your state attorney general.