How to Stop Unwanted Phone Calls for Free
Few things are as annoying and intrusive as unwanted phone calls. Thanks to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, a free federal do not call list was established which prevents telemarketers from calling any registered number. More than 157 million telephone numbers have since been added to the registry since its establishment in February 2008. You can register both your home and mobile phone numbers on the list. Adding your phone numbers to the do not call registry will dramatically reduce the number of unwanted phone calls you receive.
Instructions
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Verify that your number is on the National Do Not Call Registry by going to the website donotcall.gov and clicking on the "verify a registration" link. You can also check a number by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to verify.
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Place your number on the registry by following the phone prompts or the directions on the website. Those who register a number through the website will receive an email confirmation with a link. The link must be accessed within 72 hours to verify the numbers registration.
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Report any continued telemarketing calls to the Federal Trade Commission. Follow the link to the FTC on the donotcall.gov website. Complaints can also be filed by phone at 1-888-382-1222. You will need to provide the phone number of the call, the name of the company and the date the call took place.
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Tips & Warnings
It may take up to 31 days from time of registration for calls to cease.
Some organizations are exempt from the Act, such as charities, political organizations and phone surveyors, and any company you have done business with in the past. You may ask these organizations to stop contacting you directly.
If you would like to remove your number from the registry, call 1-888-322-1222 from the number you want taken off the list.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit telephone image by MATTHIEU FABISIAK from Fotolia.com
