Make Sure to Register with the Right National Do Not Call Registry
Don't Get Ripped Off!
What Is the National Do Not Call Registry?
The REAL registry is called the NATIONAL Do Not Call Registry. This program was introduced in 2003 as a way to help reduce the amount of telemarketing calls consumers get on their land line phones, as well as on their cell phones. The REAL registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can visit the National Do Not Call website, or you can call toll free, (888) 382-1222 to register your phone number(s). Just be sure you're calling from at least one number you're going to register.
Since the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 became a law in February 2008, the phone numbers on the registry will not expire under normal circumstances. (If your phone service is disconnected and connected again, for example, you'll need to contact the National Do Not Call Registry to get listed again.) The phone numbers are on it permanently unless the National Do Not Call Registry is contacted to have them deleted.
Adding your home phone number and/or cell phone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry is quick, easy, and it's free of charge.
The FTC Warned the Public About A Do Not Call Registry Scam
Even before the National Do Not Call Registry was officially up and running, scammers were already busy ripping off unsuspecting consumers. Here's how they did it, and are STILL doing it: you get a phone call from someone claiming they're from the FTC or a Do Not Call Registry. The scammers say they need to verify your listing(s) on the Do Not Call Registry. They then ask for personal information such as your social security number, credit card number, bank account number, et cetera.
Other times, the caller offers you the opportunity to put your phone number(s) on a registry... for a fee. After you give the caller your name and credit card information, they rip you off.
Conclusion
You hear about scams like these and the National Do Not Call Registry, but they don't seem real until you, or someone you know, becomes a victim. My friend Tom doesn't think he'll be able to get his money back. But, hopefully he'll be more careful who he gives his personal information out to.
By the way, Tom contacted the National Do Not Call Registry. His phone number wasn't on it. That explains why he and his wife never saw a reduction in the amount of telemarketing calls they receive.
Resources
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/business/20money.html?_r=1
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/06/donotcallscam.shtm
Published by Kassidy Emmerson
Kassidy Emmerson has studied Journalism, Creative and Non-Fiction Writing and Computer Programming. She has worked as a professional freelance writer for over a decade. Emmerson has 6,000+ articles published... View profile
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- The REAL registry is called the NATIONAL Do Not Call Registry.
- Adding your phone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry is FREE of charge.
- The phone numbers are on it permanently unless you have yours removed.
the phone numbers on the registry will not expire under normal circumstances.
12 Comments
Post a CommentThank you SO MUCH for this!!!!!!!!!!1
Oh, this is very important. So many of us would have no idea about this without your helpful advice! Thanks so much.
Pshew! You had me worried for a minute. Great title - no doubt about that. I had just done the Do Not Call bit, and I instantly panicked. I've never been successfully scammed before, despite three efforts at least to do so.
This is really good to know. Thanks!
it's cut down on my unwanted calls considerably but there is still one that keeps at it at least 2 calls per week. I've threatened to report them and they keep calling, so I am going to need to get their info and actually do it. Sorry your friend got scammed
Yikes! Hope I did the right one!
Thanks for the info!
Drat! Those scammers seem to get more slippy everyday. :o( Thanks for another heads up, Kassidy. :o)
Thanks for this information and the warning. Very helpful!
This is helpful to know. There would be alarm bells ringing if I was asked to provide my credit card details. The real registry does not ask for it!
Sophie