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What Is the National Do Not Call Registry?

Unwanted telemarketing calls are a leading consumer complaint. To address this, the federal government created the National Do Not Call Registry, allowing you to opt out of most sales calls. Companies that ignore your registration may face significant penalties, and under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), you could recover statutory damages for each illegal call.

What the Registry Does

The The National Do Not Call Registry is a database maintained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Once you register your number, most telemarketers are legally required to stop calling it. The rules apply to both landline and mobile phones. Registration is free and permanent, so you only need to sign up once.

How to Register

You can register your phone number by visiting the official website at donotcall.gov. The process is quick, though you may need to confirm via email to complete it. After you are registered, telemarketers have 31 days to remove your number from their call lists.

What Is Covered

The registry covers most commercial telemarketing calls, which are calls made to sell you goods or services. For example, this includes promotions for:

If you receive such a call after being registered for 31 days, it may be a violation of federal law.

What Is Not Covered

It is important to understand that the registry does not stop all calls. Certain categories are exempt by law, including:

However, these callers must still comply with other Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulations.

Penalties for Violations

Companies that violate the Do Not Call registry may face FTC penalties. More importantly, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) empowers you to sue violators directly. You may be entitled to recover $500 per illegal call, and up to $1,500 if the violation was willful or knowing. The statute of limitations for these claims is four years from the date of the call.

Why Telemarketers Still Call Registered Numbers

Despite the registry, illegal marketers continue to call registered numbers. These operations often use spoofed phone numbers to hide their identity and location. The primary reasons you still get calls are:

Many of these unwanted calls are actionable violations under the TCPA.

Document Every Call

If you get telemarketing calls after registering, proper documentation is key. For each call, record the date, time, and caller ID information. Taking screenshots of your call log and saving voicemails provides crucial evidence for a potential claim.

Check Your Phone

Many illegal robocall campaigns also send spam text messages, which are regulated by the TCPA. You can quickly check your phone for this evidence.

Open your messages app and search for the word STOP. Look for marketing texts that have opt-out instructions you never requested.

If you find them, Submit screenshots at SpamClaims.com.

FAQ

How long does Do Not Call registration last?

Registration is permanent and does not expire. It lasts indefinitely unless your phone number is disconnected and reassigned to a new owner.

Does the registry block all calls?

No. It does not apply to political calls, charitable solicitations, surveys, or calls from companies with whom you have a recent business relationship.

Can I sue telemarketers who ignore the registry?

Yes. Under the TCPA, you may recover $500 to $1,500 for each illegal call made in violation of the Do Not Call rules.

Does the registry cover text messages?

While the Do Not Call rules primarily focus on voice calls, the TCPA provides similar, and often stricter, rules for marketing text messages.

TLDR

Submit your spam screenshots for attorney review

This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.