Consumers have placed more than 50 million phone numbers on the anti-telemarketing list, that is supposed to be enforced beginning October 1st. Marketers would risk an $11,000 fine each time they call a number on the list.
"The popularity of the national Do Not Call Registry is evidence of how important it is to people that they be protected from unwanted telemarketing calls," said Senator Collins. "The State of Maine has been extremely aggressive about arming Mainers with the power to stop unsolicited telemarketing calls. Families and individuals who choose to stop the flow of calls and report companies who refuse to comply, will now have the power of the federal government behind them as well."
Most telemarketers would be required to remove the numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry from their call lists. Everyone who registered by August 31, 2003, would begin receiving fewer telemarketing calls after October 1, 2003, when the National Registry is scheduled to go into effect. Anyone who registered after September 1, 2003 would notice a downturn in telemarketing calls within three months of the date they register. Maine residents who already signed up for the State Do Not Call List do not need to re-register on the National Do Not Call Registry. They would automatically be protected under the National Registry. Telephone numbers included on the National Registry have to be re-registered every 5 years.
"Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most, but not all, telemarketing calls. It is important that Mainers know their rights and how to deal with businesses that continue to harass them over the phone. The FTC has made it very easy for anyone to get the information to protect themselves," said Senator Collins.
Consumers can get information and register for the national Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov .