You are sitting down to dinner when the phone rings and it’s someone pressuring you to change your telephone plan. Aggressive telemarketing has gotten so pervasive that it was threatening one’s right to a peaceful existence.
The Juniper Park Civic Assoc. applauds Governor Pataki for signing legislation creating the “Do Not Call” Telemarketing Sales Calls Registry (“Registry”) was signed by Governor Pataki. The law takes effect April 1, 2001.
Under the law, most telemarketing sales calls will be prohibited thirty days after your number appears on a current quarterly Registry. Telemarketers who violate the law are subject to a fine of up to $2,000 per call.
The law provides for some exceptions, and you may still receive telephone calls from certain groups and organizations, including: (1) charitable organizations; (2) religious corporations; (3) political parties and committees; (4) companies with which you have a prior business relationship; and (5) telemarketers who wish to arrange for a face-to-face meeting before concluding a sales transaction.
The Registry will prevent most unwanted telemarketing calls, however you should not expect total or immediate relief from all such calls. The Registry will be published quarterly (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). Depending on your registration date, it could take several months before you notice a significant reduction in the number of telemarketing sales calls you receive.
To register for the protections offered by the new law and the Registry call 1-86-NO CALL NY (1-866-622-5569). Information explaining the provisions of the law will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration.
Frequently Asked Questions About
“Do Not Call” Registry
Q: Can business telephone numbers be included on the Registry?
A: No. The Registry is limited to residential telephone access lines.
Q: What happens if I move?
A: If you keep your old telephone number after the move, it will not
affect your listing on the Registry. If you change your telephone number, however, you must
re-register.
Q: Can telemarketers use Registry information for purposes other than restricting calls?
A: No. Any other use of Registry information is
illegal.
Q: Do all household members need to include their names on the Registry?
A: No. Once a residential telephone access line is registered, all household members are covered.
Q: Will my inclusion on the Registry block all
telemarketing calls?
A: No. The law creating the Registry provides for certain exceptions.
Q: Are telemarketers calling from outside of New York State affected by this law
A: Yes. Once your number has been included on the Registry, no telemarketer may call you, regardless of the call’s geographic origin (unless the telemarketer is covered by an exception provided for in the law).
