How to Stop Getting Toll-Free Number Calls on My Home Phone

Do Not Call

Telemarketers usually use 800 type numbers to market their products. The U.S. government provides a service that allows you to register your telephone number against telemarketers. Telemarketers are not allowed to call any telephone numbers on the U.S. government registry. Exceptions include charities, political calls, legitimate surveys and companies you have a business relationship with.

Instructions

1. Go to the U.S. Government Do-not-call website.

2. Click on the "Register Now" button.

3. Fill in the form with at least one telephone number and your email address, and click "Submit."

4. Verify the information, and click "Register."

5. Log into your email account, and look for an email from [e-mail]. Also check your spam folder. Open the email, and click the link in the email to confirm the registration. You must do this last step within 72 hours of registering. It will take you to a web page that says "Registration Complete."

Tips & Warnings

• Business have 31 days to stop calling after you register. Therefore all 800 calls should stop within about one month.

• Charities, political organizations and candidates, surveys and companies you do business with can still call. Simply registering on a company's website can be considered a business relationship and allow calls. When registering on a company website, always check the company's privacy policy.

References

• National Do Not Call Registry
• Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Alert:Q&A: The National Do Not Call Registry