The Do Not Call Registry is a national database of phone numbers that are registered by consumers who do not wish to receive telemarketing calls. The registry was established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2003 as a way to give consumers more control over the calls they receive, and to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls.
Consumers who wish to register their phone numbers on the Do Not Call Registry can do so online or by calling a toll-free number. Once a phone number is registered, telemarketers are not allowed to call that number for a period of five years, unless the consumer has given the telemarketer permission to do so.
The Do Not Call Registry is designed to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls, and to help reduce the burden of telemarketing on consumers. The registry is also intended to help reduce the number of fraudulent telemarketing schemes and scams, and to protect consumers from these types of activities.
The Do Not Call Registry is administered by the FTC, and is enforced by the FTC and state attorneys general. Telemarketers who violate the Do Not Call Registry can be subject to fines and other penalties.