What is the Do Not Call Registry?
The
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 159c allows Massachusetts consumers
to register their phone numbers to block certain telephone
solicitations. Maintained by the Executive Office of Consumer Affairs
and Business Regulations, the Do Not Call Registry identifies a
residential phone number as one which is not to receive telemarketing
calls, is free and available for residential telephone customers in
Massachusetts, and will help reduce (but not eliminate) telemarketing
calls to your home. It may take up to 90 days after registration for
the calls to stop. Business offices are not covered by this law.
How do I register my number on the Massachusetts Do Not Call Registry?
You may register your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry by:
1. Calling the toll free number: 1-866-231-2255. This automated system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2.
Registering online at www.mass.gov/donotcall. This Web site may be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3.
Printing out a registration form (PDF) and mailing it to the following address:
Massachusetts Do Not Call Program
c/o GovConnect
50 Federal Street
Boston , MA 02110
Once
you have registered, your phone number will remain on the Do Not Call
Registry unless you request to have it removed. To take your phone
number off the Do Not Call list, you must print out and mail a delete request form (PDF) to the same address as the registration form. If you move or change your telephone number, you should unblock your number.
The National Do Not Call Registry
You
can also add your name to the National Do Not Call Registry. The
Federal government created the national registry to make it easier and
more efficient for you to stop getting telemarketing calls you don’t
want. You can register online at www.donotcall.gov or call toll-free, 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236), from the number you wish to register. Registration is free.
Cell Phones
You
may place your personal cell phone number on the National Do Not Call
Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 from your cell phone.
You may have received an e-mail telling you that your cell phone is
about to be assaulted by telemarketing calls as a result of a new cell
phone number database; however, that is not the case. Federal
Communications Commission regulations prohibit telemarketers from using
automated dialers to call cell phone numbers.
How do I report a telephone solicitation?
If you have received a solicitation in violation of the Do Not Call Law, you can click on the link below to download the Attorney General’s Telemarketing Complaint Form (PDF) or click on www.donotcall.gov.
Additional Resources:
*
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
* Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
*
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/donotcall/
