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 How does the Do not Call Registry work? The Do Not Call Registry is managed and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The list provides consumers with the opportunity to limit the volume of telemarketing calls they receive on home and cell/mobile phones.

How do I register? By calling the registry’s toll-free phone number at 1-888-382-1222 or visiting the registry’s website at https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

What numbers can I register? You can register your cell/mobile phone, your home telephone number(s), but not a business number.

You may register up to three telephone numbers at one time on the National Do Not Call Registry website. You will receive a separate confirmation email for each number you wish to register online. You must open each email within 72 hours and click on the link in each one to complete the registration process.

If your number is disconnected and then reconnected, you may need to re-register. In addition, there are actions that you or your telephone company might take that could cause your registered phone number to become unregistered ­- even if your service has not been interrupted (such as changing calling plans or other services, or changing the billing name on the account.)

Telemarketers have 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you. Normally, it takes only one day from request for your name to begin appearing on the Do Not Call Registry.

Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most telemarketing calls, but not all. Because of limitations in the jurisdiction of the FTC and FCC, calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors would still be permitted, as would calls from companies with which you have an existing business relationship, or those to whom you’ve provided express agreement in writing to receive their calls.

By purchasing something from the company, you established a business relationship with the company. As a result, even if you put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, that company may call you for up to 18 months after your last purchase or delivery from it, or your last payment to it, unless you ask the company not to call again. In that case, the company must honor your request not to call.

How do I file a complaint? You can visit the website or call 1-888-382-1222. You must be able to provide either the name or phone number of the company that called you. You must also provide the date of the call, along with your phone number.

For more details about the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry visit their Frequently Asked Questions website that is full of helpful information. Visit the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry FAQ’s for Consumers.