How do you get on the National Do Not Call registry?

To get on the National Do Not Call registry, visit the Federal Trade Commission website, and enter up to three phone numbers that you wish to add to the list, along with your email address. After entering the numbers, respond with 72 hours to the email that you receive.

Once you register the phone numbers, the number of telemarketing calls you receive should begin to decline. If you receive telemarketing calls after 31 days, you have the right to file a complaint, in many circumstances.

The FTC registers both land lines and cellular devices on the website. Consumers needing to register more than three phones can return to the website and follow the same procedure for additional phones.

Charities, opinion polls and political organizations are not subject to the registry and may continue calling. Having your name on the registry does not stop debt collectors from calling to collect a debt. However, debt collectors must follow federal guidelines when calling your phone. If they do not follow those guidelines, you have a right to file a complaint with the FTC.

Federal law prohibits telemarketers from using recorded messages to call your phone. Even if you have not registered your phone or you registered less than 31 days before the call, the FTC accepts complaints concerning this type of call.