What Does the Do Not Call Registry Prohibit?

The Do Not Call Registry was signed into an act in 2003. This was in response to people who were sick of having their telephones ringing off the hook thanks to telemarketers. The Do Not Call Registry is supposed to be a way to keep telemarketers from constantly calling your home and bothering you, but what types of calls does the registry prohibit?

First and foremost, The Do Not Call Registry prohibits cold calls. Cold calls are phone calls from businesses that are trying to get you to sign up for or to purchase something. It may be a call that says that you´ve won a trip somewhere when you haven´t, or it could be a call asking if you´d like to switch your cable or telephone service. These are the types of calls that are included in the Do Not Call Registry, and they are not allowed to be used on you once you sign up for the Do Not Call Registry.

There are, however, some exceptions to the rule. To begin with, the registry only counts for a residential line, not for a business. You will also still receive phone calls from political organizations and from charities. If someone is conducting a survey, they can still call you, as well, as can someone who is trying to collect a bill.

Also, if you have had an existing business relationship with a company for as long as 18 months prior, then the Do Not Call Registry will not prevent those types of calls. Anyone else, however, is violating the terms of the registry, and it is a good idea to report them.