FAQs
To help you better understand how the program works, listed below are some frequently asked questions:
What is the National Do Not Call registry and how does it relate to Indiana's Do Not Call list?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created a National Do Not Call registry where people can register their residential phone number to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. The FTC and FCC began taking registrations on June 26, 2003.
The national list will NOT provide the same amount of protection that Indiana 's law provides. Registration is allowed for both lists, but the attorney general's office encourages Indiana residents who want to reduce telemarketing calls to their homes to register on Indiana's list first and foremost.
Are there more exemptions allowed on the national Do Not Call registry?
Yes, the national registry allows more telemarketers to call you than the Indiana Do Not Call law. Hoosiers, therefore, receive more protection by being registered on the Indiana list.
What exemptions does the national registry allow?
The exemptions in the national program include:
- Businesses that you have had a transaction with in the last 18 months
- Charities
- Telephone survey research companies
- Companies to which you've made an inquiry or submitted an application may call you for three months
What happens to my phone number that is already registered on Indiana's Do Not Call list?
Most of the 27 states that had a Do Not Call program transferred their registered phone numbers to the federal registry. At this time, Indiana HAS NOT taken that step since the Indiana law provides more protections for registrants.
How do I register for the Indiana list?
You may register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or register by calling toll-free: 888-834-9969. You will be asked to give some basic information regarding your home phone number, name, address, etc.
How long does the registration process take?
About two minutes.
Does everyone in my home have to register?
No. Only the adult under whose name the phone number(s) is listed.
Is there a cost to register for the list?
No. This program is provided free of charge to Indiana residents. Telemarketers pay to purchase the list.
How long do I have to register?
Registration is an on-going process. The toll-free number has been available since early May 2001. Online registration has been available since August 6, 2001.
Can I register online?
Yes. You can register here.
What happens if I move but keep my same phone number?
If you move but keep the same phone number you will need to update your registration with your new address.
If I've already registered, do I need to register for each quarterly list?
No. Once you've registered, your phone number will be included on future lists unless you request its removal.
How many numbers can I register?
You may register any residential (home) phone numbers listed under your name.
What about my business or fax number?
The legislation does not permit them to be included on the Do Not call list.
What is done with the information I provide for the list?
The information provided is kept confidential and used only to compile and manage the list. Each quarter the list will be updated with new phone numbers. Telemarketers face penalties for calling any number on the list.
Can I register a friend or relative?
No. Individuals must register themselves due to the confidential nature of the information required and the need to ensure that callers are giving their own permission to have their phone number included.
Will I get any more telemarketing calls?
Possibly. There are four types of telephone solicitors who are exempt from this law and may continue to contact you. These include charitable organizations (whose telephone calls are made by volunteers or employees to make the calls), newspapers (whose employees make their telephone calls), licensed insurance agents and licensed real estate agents.
What do I do if I still get calls after my number has been added to the list?
If you get a call from a telemarketer after the relevant quarterly list update, you can submit a complaint online. Please provide as much information as you can—the name of the telemarketing company, the location from which they are calling, the name of the person calling, their phone number and the product they called about, then sign your complaint, and send it to the attorney general's office.
The attorney general's office will investigate and determine whether the company qualifies for one of the exemptions and verify that your number was on the list. If the company is in violation of the law, a court can award a fine of up to $10,000 for the first violation, and up to $25,000 for each subsequent violation. These fines are awarded to the State to cover or offset operational costs of providing the Do Not Call list. One phone call can constitute a violation. The State may also recover any profits made violating the law, attorney fees and other costs associated with enforcing the law.
When do the quarterly lists take effect?
Each year on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.
When did the law become enforceable?
January 1, 2002
Can I stop SPAM e-mail?
The Direct Marketing Association has an e-mail preference service to help you reduce unsolicited commercial emails. To opt-out of receiving unsolicited commercial e-mail, use DMAs online form at www.dmaconsumers.org/offemaillist.html. Your online request will be effective for one year.
Do you have a question that was not answered here?
Ask the attorney general's office.
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