Initial Do Not Call listings will soon expire

The Do Not Call List is a great list to be on, although it will not stop all calls it certainly does help keep it under control. Millions of people have signed up so far with the Do Not Call List with registrations that began in June 2003. Every number added will remain on the list for just 5-years. Those that signed up on day one that time to think about re-registering is getting close. You can register your home and cell phone numbers or file complaints at http://www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Once on the list, telemarketers are no longer able to call, However if you do business with a company they may call for up to 18 months after the last purchase, payment or delivery. Charitable organizations, political or survey work are also exempt.

Any company not following the rules can be fined up to $11,000 for each violation. To date more than 30 companies have had cases filed and paid $8.8 million in civil penalties and $8.6 million in redress to consumers and forfeitures. DirecTV alone has paid $5.3 million to settle charges against them.

Many argue that you should not have to remember when to re-submit your numbers to the list and argue in favor of adding the number forever, which is most likely how it should be. Either way the current rule is 5-years, so those who signed up right away get ready to do it again. Those few minutes to re-register are better than the annoying calls that would result in not registering.

Read [Yahoo! News]