Congress bars 'automatic removal' of Do-Not-Call list numbers

Let the telemarketer-free dinner table conversations continue.

Congress on Wednesday gave its final approval to a bill that would prohibit "automatic" removal of phone numbers from the national Do-Not-Call registry, which is designed to allow consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales calls.

The bill, called the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, now goes to the White House for the president's signature.

The latest action is a direct response to concerns from consumer advocates and politicians that under rules established in June 2003 by the Federal Trade Commission, Americans would have been forced to reregister their digits every five years.

The Do-Not-Call Improvement Act effectively overturns that rule. It says numbers can only be removed from the registry under two conditions: with permission from the individual assigned it, or if the FTC determines, based on periodic checks, that the numbers have been disconnected, reassigned, or are otherwise "invalid."

The FTC last fall pledged not to drop those numbers "pending final congressional or agency action on whether to make registration permanent."

Congress on Wednesday evening also signed off on a related bill that gives the FTC indefinite authority to continue collecting fees of up to $17,050 from each telemarketer to bankroll the program. The bill's chief sponsor, Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), said that approach "keeps the program free, simple and effective for consumers."

More than 150 million numbers are currently on the list, according to Pryor's office.

[jltnol]

and of course..

why can't they set up the exact same system for junk faxes?

[sjreeve]

unlisted numbers

I'm pretty sure charities, and survey companies troll the do-not-call list for new people to call. I signed up when the list came out, got a real spike in solicitations for donations. Finally changed to a Vonage account where you don't get charged for an unlisted phone number - only way to get off the darned lists!

[Renegade Knight]

Didn't like Telemarketers Then, Still Don't

If I ever change my mind I'll be sure to update the do not call ist.

Life would be better if they merely had a do not call law. Then the FTC could save time and money on the list. That would make too much sense for congress to ever pass such law.

[Heebee Jeebies]

I wish they...

Would have expanded it to include political calls and calls from charities. If I want to deal with either of these at any time I will contact them myself. I don't need them begging me ever other night.

Robert

[BmattIII]

Politicians Exemption-Stop

So glad to see the progress to make it easier for consumers to not have to AGAIN, register for the Do-Not-Call List. Good move, but now let's bring it really home to the politicians who have exempted themselves from the do-not-call process. Stop the calls please, most of us don't need you to call us and you already pay too much to the marketing companies with your advertising and they don't need any more rewards.

[stoppoliticalcalls]

Politicians are exempt from the Do Not Call Registry

These calls are an epidemic and are invading the privacy of All American Voters.

Our members are taking a stand and saying enough is enough at the National Political Do Not Contact Registry at StopPoliticalCalls.org.

Here is a quote from a member this morning:

"I find it very frustrating... I tend to get calls at the WORST time. I have a one year old daughter, and it NEVER fails that the phone will ring when I put her down for a nap or for bed. Also my vote is PRIVATE... so who do you think you are calling with a survey to find out who I am voting for!!! Stop calling me."

Regards,

Shaun Dakin
CEO and Founder
http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org

[stoppoliticalcalls]

Robo Calls Can Be Stopped

These calls are an epidemic and are invading the privacy of All American Voters.

Our members are taking a stand and saying enough is enough at the National Political Do Not Contact Registry at StopPoliticalCalls.org.


Regards,

Shaun Dakin
CEO and Founder
http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org

[Jane in KC]

StopPoliticalCalls.org

I went to your website because I would like to sign up for such a service. However, why do you need my email, full name, political affiliation, etc.?

Now if there were some way to stop unwanted political junk mail....