What is the Do Not Call Registry?
The Do Not Call (DNC) Registry allows you to register your landline and cell phone number in one central database to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers who are not exempt from the DNC Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you. The DNC Registry will not stop all telemarketers from calling you. Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors are exempt. Companies with which you have an existing business relationship may still call you (unless you ask them to place your number on their own do-not-call list).
How Do I Register?
You can register your phone number online at https://www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you register by phone, you must call from the phone number you wish to register. Once registered, your telephone number remains on the DNC Registry, without expiration, unless the phone number is permanently disconnected and reassigned to a new consumer or you choose to remove it.
When Should I file a Do Not Call Complaint?
If you receive an unwanted telemarketing call after your number has been on the DNC Registry for more than 31 days, you can file a Do Not Call complaint online at the Registry’s website https://www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you received a call that used a recorded message instead of a live person (known as a “robocall”), you can file a complaint regardless of if your number is on the Registry.
You may also file a complaint with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for unwanted fax, telemarketing, and telephone service and billing issues.
Why Is It Important to File a Do Not Call Complaint?
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection routinely reviews the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Database for Do Not Call complaints filed by New York Residents. The FTC also reviews complaints filed Nationwide to determine whether a pattern or practice of violations of the National Do Not Call Registry is occurring.
By filing a complaint, you can help the Division track down and identify violators of the Do Not Call law and take legal action against the businesses making those unwanted, unsolicited and often annoying telemarketing phone calls.
Registering your phone number on the DNC Registry is only the first step towards bringing these calls to an end. The next step is to file a complaint for every unwanted call. The Division uses the consumer complaints to take enforcement action against the violators who can be fined for each illegal call. The more complaints filed, the higher the fine that may be levied.
Is Your Business In Compliance?
Once a consumer’s telephone number has been registered on the DNC registry for 31 days, DNC laws prohibit you from calling it. Your business can be fined up to $11,000 per call by the New York Department of State, as well as by the FTC and FCC.
Your business can register and gain access to the DNC registry by visiting www.DoNotCall.gov. You can either:
Purchase the entire U.S. database, or gain access to the first five area codes for free, with additional area codes available for purchase.
Your business is responsible for updating your call lists every 31 days and identifying and registering with the FTC. The FTC assures list accuracy by periodically checking telephone numbers and removing those that are invalid, disconnected or reassigned. As a business, DNC compliance is YOUR responsibility. Do not rely on a third-party telemarketing company to protect your business.
Download NYS DCP’s Do Not Call Business Compliance Guidance
This information was brought to you by The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection.
Unsolicited Mail and Email:
Unwanted mail and emails flooding your mailbox and inbox? Here's a way to cut down on unwanted mail and email.
To opt-out of prescreened offers for credit and insurance, you have two options, opt-out for five years or opt-out permanently. To opt-out for five years call 1-888-567-8688 or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. To permanently opt-out begin the process at www.optoutprescreen.com, you will need to complete and return a Permanent Opt-Out Election form. This will be provided once you initiate the online request. This site will ask for personal identifying information such as your social security number and date of birth. If you don't have access to the internet contact our office, 716-858-6169 for further assistance:
To opt-out of direct marketing, consumers can register at the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) consumer website: www.DMAchoice.org for a processing fee of $2 for a period of ten years. Registering online is the fastest way to see results. DMAchoice offers consumers a simple, step-by-step process that enables them to decide what mail they do and do not want.
In addition, DMAchoice online offers registration for DMA's eMail Preference Service (reduce your unsolicited commercial email).
This information was brought to you by the FTC.