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The Do Not Call list is a list of phone numbers provided by consumers who want to limit or reduce the amount of phone calls they receive from telemarketers. This list is a part of the national do not call registry, created in 2003 by the Federal Trades Commission.

This registry is now managed and enforced by the Federal Trades Commission, as well as the Federal Communications Commission , and statewide officials. Any consumer who wishes to limit the amount of telemarketing calls they receive can go to the National Do Not Call Registry website and register their phone number. This service is free and it's used for both landline and mobile numbers. Consumers will need to click the verification email within 72 hours of registering their number and verify their number to complete the registration process. In addition, consumers can register multiple phone numbers on the do not call list. Consumers can check to see if their number is already registered by clicking the verify here icon on the websites registration page.

Once the consumer's phone number is on the Do Not Call list for 31 days, almost all telemarketers should have stopped calling their registered phone numbers. This includes any program, plan, or campaign that is trying to sell a consumer services or goods using interstate phone calls. Phone calls with automated recordings are also not allowed to contact consumers on the do not call list.

Telemarketers also have access to the do not call list, to help them avoid making illegal calls. Telemarketers will have to register with the National Do Not Call Registry as a telemarketer. Unfortunately, the Federal Trades Commission cannot prevent every unwanted telemarketer from calling a consumer. Despite being on the do not call list, there will be occasions when a telemarketer will try to contact consumers. When this happens, consumers can and should immediately file a complaint through the National Do Not Call Registry website.

The Federal Trades Commission will pursue all complaints filed by consumers in regards to unwanted calls and will prosecute any company making illegal phone calls. Violating the do not call list can cost a telemarketer up to $16,000 in fines for every call that they make illegally. The Federal Trades Commission has successfully sued thousands of individuals and businesses who have made unwanted phone calls. They have obtained millions of dollars in judgements against such violators since 2003. However, keep in mind that the do not call list not apply to bill collectors, collection agencies, some charitable organizations, and political surveys.