FTC Do Not Call List | How to Register Your Number

Here’s a detailed overview of the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry (U.S.) and steps you can take: Once you register, most legitimate telemarketers are prohibited from calling your number. 

📋 What Is the National Do Not Call Registry?

• It’s a service managed by the FTC that lets U.S. consumers register their personal phone numbers (landline or cell) to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls.

• Once you register, most legitimate telemarketers are prohibited from calling your number.

• However, being on the registry does not block all calls — scammers and telemarketers that ignore the law may still call.

✅ How to Register Your Number

You can add your number to the Do Not Call list using either method:

After you register, telemarketers have up to 31 days to stop calling your number.

Once registered, your number stays on the list indefinitely, unless you remove it or discontinue service.

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🛠 What It Doesn’t Do / Exemptions

Being on the Do Not Call list has limits. The following types of calls are allowed even if your number is registered:

• Calls from political organizations, charities, surveyors, or nonprofit groups

• Calls from companies with which you already have an established business relationship (within a defined past time window)

• Debt collection calls, calls about existing accounts, or “informational messages” in some cases

• Calls made within 31 days after you register (while the changes propagate)

Also, the registry does not block calls from scammers who disregard the law or use spoofed numbers.

🛡 What to Do If You Still Get Unwanted Calls

If telemarketers continue calling you after your number’s been on the registry for 31 days (and the calls are of the kind the registry is meant to stop), you can:

1. Report the calls

   • Use the FTC’s complaint assistant (on the registry site or via their consumer reporting system) to file a complaint.

2. Tell the caller not to call again

   • Ask them to place your number on their internal “Do Not Call” list. They’re required to comply for that specific caller.

3. Use call-blocking tools / apps

   • Many carriers and third-party apps can help block spam / unknown calls.

4. Document the calls

   • Keep logs of call dates, times, caller ID, and details. This helps when filing a complaint.

5. Verify if the call is exempt

   • Sometimes the call may be from a charity, political group, or a company you already do business with, which could be allowed by law.