Questions about the telemarketing no call list'

By By Beth Randall / are 4-H director
April 27, 2003
When the phone rings at my house I am always quick to answer, because I know it must be someone I really want to talk to on the other end. Many times I am disappointed to find out it is a wrong number or a telemarketer.
So far there is no cure for a wrong number, but there is for telemarketing.
You may have heard the news that Mississippi's Legislature and governor support telemarketing "no-call list" legislation. How will it make a difference in our lives? Susan Cosgrove, Family Resource Management Area agent has compiled a list of commonly asked questions and their answers.
Q: How do I sign up for the national "do not call" registry?
A: You will be able to sign up for free by calling a toll-free number or online. You can expect fewer calls within three months of the date you sign up for the registry.
Q: What will it cost to sign up for the national "do not call" registry?
A: It is free.
Q: When will I be able to sign up?
A: In July, consumers may begin to register by calling the toll-free number or online. To handle the anticipated volume of registration across the country, the initial sign-up by phone may be phased in, region-by-region, over an eight-week period. Online registration will be available nationwide in July.
In September, telemarketers and other sellers will have access to the registry. They will be required to scrub their call lists against the national "do not call" registry at least once every 90 days.
In October, the Federal Trade Commission and the states will start to enforce the national "do not call" registry provisions of the Amended Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Violators will be subject to a fine up to $11,000 per violation. At this point, consumers on the registry should start to get fewer telemarketing calls.
Q: How will the national "do not call" registry work?
A: Once you are registered in the national database, telemarketers will be on notice that you do not want telemarketing calls. The Telemarketing Sales Rule requires them to download the registry database and drop all registered numbers from their call lists. Telemarketers are required to do this at least quarterly.
After the law takes effect, if you register and yet still receive telemarketing calls, you will be able to file a complaint with the FTC online or by calling a toll-free number. A telemarketer who calls your number could be fined up to $11,000 for each call.
Your number will stay on the registry for five years or until you take your number off the registry or change phone numbers. After five years, you will be able to renew your registration.
Q: If I register, will all the telemarketing calls be stopped?
A: No. Placing your number on the national "do not call" registry will stop most, but not all, telemarketing calls. Some businesses are exempt from the TSR, and can still call you even if you place your number on the registry. That does include long distance phone companies.
Q: Can businesses sign up for the "do not call" registry?
A: No. This does not apply to business-to-business calls.
Q: Can I register my cell phone number?
A: Yes.
These are just a few items covered by the new "no-call list." There are two brochures from the FTC with facts for consumers on the new telemarketing sales rule and the changes to these rules.
If you would like a copy, please contact Cosgrove at the Newton County office of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, (601) 635-2268.