Scammers Pose as Representatives from the
National Do Not Call Registry
Wallingford, CT – February 2, 2012 – Connecticut Better Business Bureau warns consumers that scammers are making phony phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry.
According to
DoNotCall.gov, “The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls. To add your number to the Registry you can call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or go click on ‘Register a Phone Number’ in the left column of this page.”
The National Do Not Call Registry gives consumers an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. Once they register their phone number, telemarketers covered by the National Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date their telephone number is registered to stop calling.
BBB reminds consumers:
- Do not provide any personal information to unknown callers, including bank information, Social Security Number and contact information.
- If your number is already registered with the Do Not Call Registry, your registration does not expire. You can verify if and when your number was registered by going to DoNotCall.gov.
The Federal Trade Commission does not allow private companies or other third parties to register consumers for the National Do Not Call Registry. Websites or phone solicitations that claim they can or will register a consumer’s name or phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry — especially those that charge a fee — are almost certainly a scam.
FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. As automated dialers are standard in the industry, most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. However, you can still register your cell phone number if you’d like.
You can
file a complaint with The National Do Not Call Registry if you are still receiving unwanted phone calls after your number is on the registry for 31 days. Record the date and time the calls were made so that you can include that information in your complaint.
The
Telemarketing Sales Rule gives the FTC and local law enforcement officers the power to prosecute fraudulent telemarketers who operate across state lines.
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