Is There a Fine for the Do Not Call List?

Plenty of consumers have received robocalls or other telemarketing calls that have interrupted their day. The complaints from such issues led to the creation of the Do Not Call Registry, a nationwide collection of numbers who do not want to be contacted.

This not only protects people on the list from being called, but also allows those whose requests were ignored to take legal action. The Do Not Call list is an important way for people to protect their phone lines from unwanted interruptions.

How Many People Have Placed Their Numbers on the List?

Over two million people have taken the necessary steps to add their number to the Do Not Call list. It takes some time for a number to be recognized on the list. However, a consumer who has had their number listed for some time and keeps getting calls could be able to hold that caller accountable for violating the law.

How Do I Get My Number Listed?

Visit the FTC website to get your phone numbers listed on this registry. You will receive an email link that must be clicked within 72 hours after receipt to activate your listing. Once a number has been added to the Do Not Call list it stays on the registry until the number is disconnected or until the person who added it removes it.

What Should I Do if My Number is Being Called But it’s on the List?

If you already went to the trouble of adding your number to the Do Not Call Registry to avoid robocalls but are still being contacted, you must be proactive in reporting your concerns over these violations. The number can be reported to the FTC, but you can also speak with a lawyer if you have been harassed multiple times from the same caller in violation of your listing.

How Often Do Callers Have to Check the Do Not Call Registry?

According to the FTC, any seller or telemarketer making calls must check the registry at least once per 31 days and then discontinue contacting any number that has been added to the list. If the company has failed to do this and keeps trying to call a consumer’s listed number, this could lead to violations.

Can I Sue the Caller Who Violates the Do Not Call List?

Consumers have rights through the Do Not Call Registry. In addition, there are federal and state fines that could apply to a violator. State fines could go as high as $25,000 for each violation and federal fines could be as high as $40,000.

Individual consumers can sue violators for up to $500 per call. The damages could also be higher if you can show that the company knowingly broke the law in contacting you.

Consumers who keep track of how often they have been called by various numbers could be entitled to substantial damages when lawsuits are filed. The fact that many companies do ignore the Do Not Call registry has led to an uptick in these kinds of legal claims.

Join a Free TCPA Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you were contacted on your cell phone by a company via an unsolicited text message (text spam) or prerecorded voice message (robocall), you may be eligible for compensation under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.