Attorney Generla Goddard Urges Consumers to Sign-Up for National "Do Not Call" List

(Phoenix, AZ—June 27, 2003) Attorney General Terry Goddard today urged Arizonans to sign up for the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry. Arizona consumers can sign up for the Registry beginning today, June 27th. Consumers can register on the Federal Trade Commission website http://www.ftc.gov/donotcall or toll-free at 1-888-382-1222; for TTY call 1-866-290-4236. 

The National Do Not Call Registry will allow consumers to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. On October 1, 2003, enforcement of the Registry will begin and most consumers should notice a marked decline in the number of calls they receive. 

The Registry will be managed by the Federal Trade Commission. The only way to register is through the FTC’s website or toll-free number. Attorney General Goddard urged consumers to be wary of companies or organizations offering to register people for a fee.  

“If anyone offers to put you on the Register for a fee, it’s a scam. Registration is free and the FTC is not accepting registrations through third parties,” Goddard said. 

The FTC will handle all complaints about telemarketers who may be calling people on the Registry. There is a three-month period after registration for the registration to take effect, but after that time has passed, consumers can file complaints through the FTC website. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office will be able to access these complaints and pursue enforcement action. 

“If you want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, you must take advantage of the Registry. This is a huge step forward in protecting consumers from annoying and sometimes fraudulent telemarketing calls,” said Goddard.