Scams: Do Not Call List Registry Scams

Scammers are now been making phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry. The callers claim to help you sign up for the o Not Call List registry. But these calls are not coming from the Do Not Call List Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls.

What Is The Do Not Call List?

The National Do Not Call Registry gives you an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers covered by the National Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you.

How Does the Do Not Call List Scam Work?

Someone calls you claiming to be from the FTC's National Do Not Call Registry or from Canada's National Do Not Call List. The "representative" says he is offering you the chance to register your phone number to block telemarketing calls.

Sometimes, the scammers ask for personal information, such as your name, address and Social Security number, bank account or credit card number to verify placement of your name on the no-call list. Other times, the scammers try to charge you a fee to join the registry.

In either case, you should simply hang up the call. The registry is free. If you provide any personal information with the caller (who is a scammer) that will put you at risk for identity theft. You should never share your personal information with anyone over the phone unless you are absolutely certain who you are dealing with.

How to Avoid Do Not Call Registry Scams:

  1. It's always free: you never need to pay. National Do Not Call Registry is a free service of the federal government.
  2. Don't ever give out personal information if someone calls you claiming to be from the National Do Not Call Registry.
  3. Private businesses cannot register a consumer's phone numbers. Only consumers may register their own numbers. If someone claims to be able to register your number for you, it's a scam.
  4. It never expires: Remember that your registration in the National Do Not Call list does not expire; you never need to renew it, unless you change numbers.
  5. To add your number to the Do Not Call List, just go to Donotcall.gov (or call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register). If you want to verify your number, you can do that on this page on the Do Not Call List registry's website.
  6. Canadians: have their own National Do Not Call List. Canadians can register for that here.

Submit a Complaint - If You Still Receive Calls

If you keep receiving calls from telemarketers after putting your phon enumber on the Do Not Call List, you can file a complaint against the callers.  Click HERE to file your complaint - BUT - FIRST, here's what you need to know:

  1. After 31 days: You may file a complaint if you received an unwanted call after your number was on the National Registry for 31 days.
  2. Recorded messages, too: You may also file a complaint if you received a call that used a recorded message instead of a live person (whether or not your number was on the Registry).
  3. Some calls are still permitted: Even if your number is registered, some organizations are STILL allowed call you, such as
    charities,
    political organizations, and
    telephone surveyors.
    For a full description of who may still call you, please consult our Consumer FAQs.
  4. Debt collectors may also continue to call you whether your number is on the Registry or not. If you have a complaint about a debt collector, please Click Here to file your complaint. For more information about your rights regarding debt collectors: Click Here.
  5. Please let us know about any suspicious calls or emails you receive.

For More Information

And please let us know about any suspicious calls or emails you receive.  We look for patterns so that we can alert the authorities and victims to new scams, before it is too late!

References:

Resources and Related Scams