Original no-call list due to expire

If you were one of the first residents to sign up for Pennsylvania's do-not-call list when it was launched five years ago, now is the time to re-register if you want to maintain the peace.

The registry allows Pennsylvanians to stop most telemarketers from invading their homes with phone calls. But registration is only valid for five years. That means the initial batch of registered phone numbers is about to expire.

People have from now until Sept. 15 to renew and still make the next list, which is updated quarterly. Telemarketers are required to buy the lists and purge the registered numbers from their call logs.

When the do-not-call registry was launched in 2002, a crush of people jammed the phone lines and crashed the state's Web site trying to get through. This time, officials believe the system is prepared to handle the onslaught.

To register your phone number on the state's do-not-call list, visit www.attorneygeneral.gov or www.nocallsplease.com, or call toll-free, 1-888-777-3406.

The Federal Trade Commission runs a national do-not-call registry at www.donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222.

No comments: