Unwanted telemarketing calls are frustrating and disruptive. The National Do Not Call Registry, managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), offers a free way to block sales calls from legitimate businesses. It doesn’t stop illegal scams but helps reduce interruptions from compliant companies. Over 241 million phone numbers are already registered, and violators face fines up to $50,120 per illegal call.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How to register your number online or by phone.
- What types of calls are still allowed (e.g., political campaigns, charities).
- Steps to report violations and protect your rights.
- Key differences between federal and state rules.
- Legal actions you can take against violators.
This guide equips you with the tools to regain control of your phone and minimize unwanted calls.
Stop the Spam Calls: How to Get on the Do Not Call List
How the Do-Not-Call Registry Works
The National Do Not Call Registry serves as a central hub designed to shield consumers from unwanted sales calls. By adding your number to this database, you’re essentially sending a clear message to telemarketers: don’t call me. Telemarketers are legally required to check the registry every 31 days and remove registered numbers from their call lists. This creates a binding obligation for them to respect your decision to avoid sales calls.
What Is the Do-Not-Call Registry?
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service aimed at reducing telemarketing calls from reputable companies that follow the law. You can register both home and cell phone numbers, and the registry only stores those numbers – it doesn’t collect names, addresses, or other personal details.
It’s important to note that the registry is most effective against legitimate businesses that comply with federal laws. While it can significantly cut down on calls from these companies, it won’t stop illegal calls from scammers who disregard the rules.
Who Runs the Registry?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees the National Do Not Call Registry. Enforcing the rules involves a collaborative effort among multiple agencies, including:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Manages the registry and takes legal action against violators.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Enforces telecommunications laws and regulations.
- State officials: Address violations within their respective states.
The FTC has demonstrated its commitment to enforcement by initiating 151 cases against telemarketers and companies that violated Do Not Call rules. Of these, 147 cases have been resolved, resulting in over $178 million in civil penalties and $112 million in restitution or disgorgement. This coordinated effort ensures that violators face consequences at both state and federal levels.
However, it’s worth mentioning that certain types of calls are exempt from these restrictions.
Calls That Are Still Allowed
Even with your number on the registry, some types of calls are still permitted by law. The registry specifically targets telemarketing calls that promote goods or services. However, certain categories of calls fall outside the FTC’s regulatory scope.
For example, political campaigns and charitable organizations are allowed to contact you, as long as their calls don’t include sales pitches. Survey and research calls that don’t involve selling anything are also allowed. Additionally, companies with which you have an existing business relationship – or those you’ve given prior written consent to – can still call you.
To illustrate, a charity can call to request donations, but they can’t use the opportunity to sell you a product. Similarly, a political campaign can contact you about their candidate, but they can’t pivot to offering commercial services during the call. These exemptions ensure that certain non-commercial communications remain unaffected.
How to Register Your Phone Number
Adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry is free, quick, and easy. You can register online or by phone, with online registration offering the added benefit of managing multiple numbers in one go.
Steps to Register Your Number
The easiest way to register is by visiting the official website, DoNotCall.gov. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The phone number you want to register
- An active email address
Once you submit your information, you’ll receive a confirmation email for each number. Be sure to click the confirmation link within 72 hours to complete the process. You can register up to three numbers at a time online. If you have more, just repeat the process.
Prefer to register by phone? Simply call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY users can call 1-866-290-4236) from the number you want to add. This method is especially useful if you’re registering a single number or don’t have access to email.
Keep in mind that you can register both cell phones and home phones, but business numbers and fax lines are not eligible.
How to Update Your Registration
Once your number is on the registry, it stays there indefinitely – there’s no need to renew or update it. To check if your number is properly registered, visit DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. An automated system will confirm your registration status. If your number isn’t listed, you’ll need to register it again.
However, if you get a new phone number or if your current number is disconnected and later reconnected, you’ll need to register the new number separately.
What Happens After You Register
Once you confirm your registration, your number is officially added to the registry. Keep in mind, it may take some time for telemarketers to update their call lists and stop contacting you. During this period, you might still receive a few unwanted calls, but these should decrease over time.
Your Legal Rights and Protections
The Do-Not-Call Registry is backed by federal law, giving you the tools to identify and challenge telemarketers who break the rules.
What Telemarketers Are Required to Do
Telemarketers operating within the law must follow strict guidelines. They are obligated to get your written consent before contacting you and must regularly update their call lists to exclude numbers registered on the Do-Not-Call list. Just having your phone number isn’t enough – they need your explicit permission to reach out for sales purposes.
When they do call, telemarketers must stick to specific rules. They can only contact you between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in your local time zone. They’re also required to clearly identify themselves by providing their name, the company name, and contact details. If you ask to be added to a company’s internal Do-Not-Call list, they must honor your request immediately and stop calling you. The Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) further requires that telemarketers disclose crucial information and prohibits misleading claims.
| Telemarketer Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| List Updates | Must update call lists every 31 days |
| Written Consent | Must have your explicit written consent before contacting you |
| Call Hours | Allowed to call only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time |
| Identification | Must provide their name, company name, and contact info during calls |
| Opt-Out Requests | Must honor opt-out requests immediately |
Companies that fail to follow these rules face hefty consequences.
Penalties for Violations
The penalties for breaking telemarketing laws are steep. Companies can be fined up to $50,120 for each illegal call. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can impose fines of up to $43,792 per violation, and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) allows fines of up to $1,500 per call for willful violations. Under the TSR, fines can reach $50,000 per call.
These penalties are more than just theoretical. For example, in October 2024, Keller Williams Realty agreed to pay $40 million for TCPA violations. Back in 2003, Mortgage Investors faced a $7.5 million civil penalty for Do-Not-Call breaches. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also issued record-breaking fines, including a staggering $299,997,000 penalty against ten companies involved in a robocall scheme promoting auto warranties.
Your Right to Sue
Beyond government enforcement, you have the right to take legal action yourself. The TCPA allows individuals to sue telemarketers who break the law. You can claim $500 in damages for each violation, and if the violation is intentional, damages may be tripled to $1,500. Violations could include calling outside permitted hours, ignoring the National Do-Not-Call Registry, using autodialers without consent, or failing to provide an opt-out option.
Some lawsuits have resulted in large settlements. For instance, a class-action lawsuit against Caribbean Cruise Line led to a $76 million settlement – the largest TCPA settlement to date. In just one year, federal courts saw around 3,000 TCPA complaints filed.
If you’re considering legal action, start by documenting all unsolicited calls or texts. Record the date, time, caller ID, and a summary of the conversation. Filing a complaint with the FCC or FTC can also be a helpful first step. For smaller disputes, small claims court might be a practical option. It’s also worth noting that companies hiring telemarketers can be held accountable for TCPA violations, and some states have their own expanded "mini TCPA" laws offering additional protections.
With these legal tools at your disposal, you can take meaningful steps to report and stop unwanted calls.
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How to Report Illegal Calls
If telemarketers are ignoring the Do-Not-Call Registry or breaking consumer protection laws, taking action by reporting them can help stop the harassment and protect others from similar experiences.
Filing Complaints With Government Agencies
There are two key government agencies you can turn to for reporting illegal calls: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Both use consumer complaints to guide enforcement efforts and develop policies to address these issues.
- To file a complaint with the FCC, visit fcc.gov/complaints. Use the "phone" form and choose the "unwanted calls" option.
- For telemarketers violating the Do-Not-Call Registry or engaging in phone scams, report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Be sure to include details such as your phone number, the caller ID displayed, any callback number, and the date and time of the call.
If the calls are related to IRS scams, you should report them separately to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). You can file a complaint at tigta.gov or call TIGTA directly at 1-800-366-4484.
For more targeted help beyond government channels, consider using services like ReportTelemarketer.com.
How ReportTelemarketer.com Can Help
Government agencies focus on large-scale enforcement, but ReportTelemarketer.com provides more personalized support to stop unwanted calls. This service investigates complaints and can act on your behalf if it determines that you did not consent to the contact. Actions may include sending cease-and-desist letters or filing formal complaints.
Getting started is straightforward and free. Simply fill out the detailed report form on their website with as much information as possible about the calls or texts you’ve received. The more specific you are, the better they can identify the telemarketer and take appropriate action. The service operates on a contingency basis, so you won’t face any out-of-pocket costs.
Even with these tools, some calls might still slip through the cracks.
Why Some Calls Still Get Through
Despite registering with the Do-Not-Call Registry and reporting violations, unwanted calls may continue. Scammers often use spoofed numbers, which make their calls harder to trace. Additionally, certain groups – like political organizations, charities, debt collectors, and businesses you’ve previously interacted with – are legally allowed to contact you.
Other reasons include delays in updating telemarketing lists after your registration or outdated consent records, where prior permission to contact you remains active. If these calls persist, document each incident carefully and report it using every available channel. This persistence can make a difference in curbing the problem.
Federal vs State Do-Not-Call Rules
The National Do-Not-Call Registry offers protection across the country, but many states have their own registries with stricter rules. Knowing how these layers of protection work together can help you guard your privacy and understand your rights if unwanted calls continue.
Key Differences Between Federal and State Rules
Federal and state Do-Not-Call registries differ in scope, exemptions, and enforcement. Here’s a comparison:
| Aspect | Federal Registry (FTC) | State Registries |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Nationwide, limited to FTC jurisdiction | State-specific, may include business-to-business calls |
| Exemptions | Airlines, banks, credit unions, insurance companies | Varies by state; some states have fewer exemptions |
| Penalties | Up to $50,120 per violation | Varies; up to $11,000 in New York, $10,000 in Florida and Indiana |
| Registration Fees | Free for consumers; telemarketers pay licensing fees | May require telemarketer licensing and fees |
| Update Frequency | Standardized federal schedule | Varies by state requirements |
Currently, 11 states maintain their own Do-Not-Call lists with additional requirements, including Indiana, Florida, and Colorado. Federal law allows these state rules to coexist, giving consumers added layers of protection.
One major difference lies in industry exemptions. The federal registry doesn’t cover certain industries like airlines, banks, credit unions, and insurance companies because they fall outside the FTC’s jurisdiction. State registries, however, often close these gaps, offering broader protection.
These differences highlight how state rules can go beyond federal standards to provide even stricter safeguards.
Extra State Protections
Many states build on federal regulations by implementing stronger consumer protections.
- Florida enforces its Telemarketing Act, requiring telemarketers to be licensed and limiting calls to between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. In 2021, Florida passed SB 1120, mandating prior written consent for automated telemarketing calls. Violators face fines of up to $10,000 per call.
- New York requires telemarketers to disclose their identity and purpose within 10 seconds of a call. Fines can reach $11,000 per violation, and the New York Department of State can impose additional penalties of up to $20,000 per call for Do-Not-Call violations.
- California emphasizes privacy through the Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Telemarketers must provide an opt-out option and cannot share personal data for marketing without explicit consent.
- Indiana strengthens consumer protection by not exempting political or charitable calls, unlike the federal registry. Violators can be fined up to $10,000 per call.
Other states have unique rules: Pennsylvania bans telemarketing calls on Sundays, while Texas requires businesses to register with the state before making any telemarketing calls, with fines reaching $1,000 per violation.
If you continue to receive unwanted calls after registering with the national registry, explore your state’s additional protections for greater peace of mind.
Take Control of Your Phone Privacy
The Do-Not-Call Registry is a helpful starting point for shielding your phone from unwanted interruptions, but it’s far from a complete solution. In 2020 alone, Americans lost billions to phone scams. While the Registry blocks calls from legitimate companies, it doesn’t stop scammers – they simply ignore the rules and continue making illegal calls.
To further protect yourself, consider adopting a few practical habits. Start by answering calls only from numbers you recognize and securing your voicemail with a strong password. Many phone providers also offer free call-blocking tools – take advantage of these to reduce unwanted interruptions. These small steps work alongside the Registry to strengthen your overall phone privacy.
It’s also important to treat your phone number as sensitive personal information. Before entering it on commercial websites, review their privacy policies carefully. Periodically search your name online and request removal from any sites that have published your details. Additionally, read app terms of service thoroughly before downloading to understand how your data might be used.
If your privacy is violated, there are remedies available. Companies that make illegal calls to numbers on the Registry can face fines of up to $50,120 per call. For direct assistance, platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com can help. They investigate violations, send cease-and-desist letters, and provide support – all at no cost. Stefan Coleman, the platform’s lawyer and founder, explains their mission:
"It is our goal to stop the unwanted calls and text messages you are receiving, and to help you recover money from telemarketers and companies making calls and text messages to you without your consent. There is no out of pocket cost to you for our services".
Stay vigilant even after implementing these measures. Keep records of any requests to stop calls, forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM), and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links.
FAQs
Does the Do-Not-Call Registry stop scam calls?
The Do-Not-Call Registry serves as a valuable resource for reducing legitimate telemarketing calls. By listing your number, you make it off-limits for businesses that follow the rules. However, when it comes to scam calls, its impact is much more limited. Scammers and robocallers often disregard the registry entirely, using illegal methods to sidestep these restrictions.
While the registry is effective at curbing calls from law-abiding telemarketers, it’s not a foolproof solution. Unfortunately, it can’t shield you from all unwanted calls, especially those from rogue operators working outside the law. If you’re still dealing with these nuisance calls, you might want to report them through platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com, which specialize in identifying and taking action against violators.
What should I do if telemarketers keep calling me after I’ve added my number to the Do-Not-Call Registry?
If telemarketers keep calling even after you’ve registered your number, there are steps you can take to handle the situation. Start by asking the caller to put your number on their internal Do-Not-Call list – this is something they are legally required to do. You can also block the number on your phone to stop future calls from that specific source.
If the calls don’t stop, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These agencies are responsible for investigating telemarketing violations and can take action against offenders. Another option is using platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com, which allow you to report unwanted calls and help address violations without any cost to you.
How do state Do-Not-Call rules differ from federal regulations, and how can they offer extra protection?
State Do-Not-Call (DNC) rules often take things a step further than federal regulations, introducing tougher requirements and steeper penalties for telemarketers. While the federal National DNC Registry mainly targets interstate calls, with fines reaching up to $40,000 per violation, many states enforce their own DNC lists and rules, focusing on local telemarketing activities with greater precision.
For instance, some states ban telemarketing calls within their borders entirely, mandate that telemarketers identify themselves at the start of a call, or even empower consumers to take legal action directly against violators. These added measures help ensure local telemarketers are held accountable and give people more ways to combat unwanted calls.
When federal and state protections work together, they create a stronger shield against intrusive telemarketing practices.
