Are you tired of getting telemarketing calls all day? 

Do you feel disturbed, even frustrated, by them? 

Have you ever wished to remove your contact information from these telemarketing companies?

Well, the National Do Not Call Registry is the solution to your problems. It is a service brought to you by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of the United States. It has provisions that allow consumers to opt out of telemarketing calls. To do this, they have to register their phone numbers in the designated places. The registry functions through a centralized database. 

The database collects consumers’ phone numbers who choose not to get telemarketing calls. Once registered, the consumers will no longer receive sales calls or ones with deals and offers. This service is only available in the United States. The registry was established so consumers could regain control over who could access their contact information and who could call them. This registry preserves consumer privacy and reduces interruptions. National Do Not Call Registry is an avenue limiting telemarketers who are not respectful toward customer privacy and boundaries.

National Do Not Call Registry: Purposes

The registry protects privacy. Consumer privacy is respected by allowing individuals to not receive telemarketing calls. Consumers only have to register their phone numbers to avoid unwanted intrusions into their personal space.

• The Registry reduces unwanted interruptions. This is the primary purpose of the registry. The number of unwanted sales calls can be limited. Also, consumers can opt out of all other telemarketing calls. This will decrease interruptions in the personal and professional lives of individuals.
• This aims to empower the consumer. The registry provides consumers a to decide which businesses can contact them. Only these companies will be able to call them with their sales pitches. Most consumers find this control to be empowering.
• The registry also aimed to minimize disruption in the consumer’s lives. The registry serves as a middle-man in buffering the intensity of sales efforts by companies. It shields consumers from becoming a victim of revenue-hungry organizations.
• The National Do Not Call Registry also establishes guidelines for all telemarketers. It sets up an organized system for all telemarketers to follow. It also promotes a healthy telemarketing standard based on ethics.

The registry has made it easy for consumers to file complaints against telemarketers violating its established rules. This, in turn, promotes legal compliance and also lets individuals seek damages from telemarketers going against the registry.

When Was The National Do Not Call Registry Established?

The Registry was established in the year 2003. It was brought into force by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  First, the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act was passed as a precursor. This Act allowed consumers to decrease the number of unwanted telemarketing and sales calls. Since its establishment two decades back, the registry has become an important tool for consumer privacy.

National Do Not Call Registry: Prime Provisions

These provisions of the National Do Not Call Registry further its purposes discussed above.

It calls for consumers to register their phone numbers in the main database. Once it is done, consumers can opt out of receiving telemarketing calls.

How do you register in the National Do Not Call Registry?

You can register your landline and mobile numbers by visiting the official website of the registry. They also provide a toll-free number where you can call and register your contact information.

What are the organizations that you can target with the registry?

By registration, you can opt out of telemarketing calls from all businesses, organizations, and companies within the jurisdiction of the United States.

What are the limitations of this registry?

Even if you have registered your phone numbers in the registry, you will continue to get calls from

a.      political organizations,

b.      charities,

c.      survey companies,

d.      and all such businesses with whom you already share a professional relationship.

e.      If you have given prior consent for non-commercial purposes.

How long can you opt out for?

Once you are done registering under the registry, your number remains on the Do Not Call Registry indefinitely till you actively remove it.

 What are the time restrictions under this registry?

Telemarketers are prohibited from calling consumers before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

What is the frequency at which a telemarketer can call a consumer?

Repeated or continuous calls are prohibited under the guidelines of this registry.

Wrapping It Up!

The scope of the National Do Not Call Registry is wide and includes almost never-ending provisions. All of which are aimed at protecting customer privacy. All businesses must also keep their own Do Not Call lists. Consumer requests to be included in these Do Not Call lists should be respected. Any Telemarketer should honestly identify themselves within the first few seconds of the call. The registry says that consumers who continue receiving these calls after registration can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Violations of the provisions of the Do Not Call Registry will lead to punishments, fines, and other penalties by the FTC.

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