The National Do-Not-Call Registry is designed to prevent unwanted telemarketing calls.
An unwanted telemarketing call to your cell phone will more than likely put you in a foul mood, especially if that call ends up going against your cell phone plan minutes. A lot of consumers will spend time arguing with the telemarketer, but the more effective thing to do is to use the law to your advantage.
National Do-Not-Call Registry
The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission established the National Do-Not-Call Registry in response to complaints from consumers about unwanted solicitations on their home and cell phones. Using the Telephone Consumer Protection Act as a springboard, these agencies created a registry where consumers can list their numbers to prevent commercial solicitation calls in future. Consumers can register on the list by phone or Internet free of cost. Companies that contact you on your cell phone once your name shows up in the registry, may be subject to fines from the FCC. They are also not allowed to call you before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. Offer this as a reminder to them once you are sure your cell phone is on the list.
Company-Created Do-Not-Call Lists
Companies that engage in direct marketing over the phone are required by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act to maintain Do-Not-Call Lists of their own. So, instead of arguing with telemarketers when you receive solicitation calls on your cell phone, simply ask them to put you on the company's Do-Not-Call List. If a company uses an autodialer to ring your phone, this is also a violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, unless you gave them consent to do so in the first place. You may sue a company in local court for violating the Do-Not-Call or autodialer provisions of this Act. A court can award damages in the amount of $500 to $1,500 if they find a company culpable.
State Do-Not-Call Lists
Many states have implemented their own Do-Not-Call Lists in conjunction with specific state laws that govern telemarketing practices. This gives their residents additional legal protection against unwanted sales calls. In the state of Florida, a civil penalty can result in a fine of up to $10,000 for the offending company. Other states have similar penalties in place for violations and may charge a fee to their residents for registering on their state specific Do-Not-Call Lists. Your state's Attorney General website usually has detailed information regarding any state-specific telemarketing laws.
Tags: cell phone, Do-Not-Call Lists, your cell, your cell phone, Consumer Protection, Do-Not-Call Registry, National Do-Not-Call