The Federal Trade Commission recently issued its National Do Not Call Registry Data Book for 2016.  Since its start in 2003, the National Do Not Call list has grown to include 226 million phone numbers.  Registering for the federal Do Not Call list makes it illegal for telemarketers to contact you by phone.  The Do Not Call list does not apply to charities so you still may be contacted by charities even if you have registered for the Do Not Call list. However, when you receive a call from someone purporting to be representing a charity, you can never be sure who is really calling so you should never give your credit card number to someone who calls you allegedly from a charity.  If you are interested in a particular charity, contact the charity directly to make your contribution.

It is also important to note that while telemarketing is not in and of itself illegal, telemarketing through robocalls is illegal.   Registering for the Do Not Call list will not stop robocalls.

TIPS

Registering for the do not call list is easy and free.  Merely go to http://www.donotcall.gov to register your phone number.

You can also get a service that will screen robocalls for free for your landline and for $4.99 per month for both your landline and mobile phone.  The company providing the service is Nomorobo and you can sign up for the service at   https://www.nomorobo.com/

Long time Scamicide reader Marty Kenney recently reminded me about nomorobo.  He has used it for a long time successfully.