Overview
The Do Not Call (DNC) Registry allows you to register your landline and cell phone number in one central database to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers not exempt from the DNC Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you. The DNC Registry will not stop all telemarketers from calling you. Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors are exempt. Companies with which you have an existing business relationship may still call you (unless you ask them to place your number on their own do-not-call list).
Laws and Rules
The New York State Do Not Call Law became effective in 2001, allowing consumers to place their home landline and personal mobile telephone numbers on one central national Registry to reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls they receive. The New York State Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection enforces the New York State Do Not Call Law. In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collaborated to create the National Do Not Call program and Registry.
- Federal Communications Commission: FCC Do Not Call Law and Rules
- Federal Trade Commission: FTC Do Not Call Law and Rules
- New York State: The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection is responsible for enforcing New York's "Do Not Call" law and regulations. NYS Do Not Call Law and Rules
Enforcement
The Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is responsible for investigating and enforcing New York State’s Do Not Call statutes. New York State’s General Business Law (GBL) §399-z, provides the Division “[w]here it is determined…that any person has violated one or more provisions of this section, the secretary, or any person deputized or so designated by him or her may assess a fine…”
From 2014 to date, the following entities violated NY GBL §399-z. Each action includes a Consent Order issued by the Department binding the violator to its terms and conditions.
Settlements (Since 2014)
Business Name |
Case Number |
2012 DNC 0428 | |
2012 DNC 1245 | |
2012 DNC 0430 | |
2011 DNC 0009/2013 DNC 1404 | |
2013 DNC 0344 | |
2013 DNC 0343 | |
2013 DNC 0606 | |
2013 DNC 0389 | |
2013 DNC 0607 | |
2013 DNC 1156 | |
2012 DNC 0984 | |
2013 DNC 1018 | |
2013 DNC 0452 | |
2013 DNC 0688 | |
2013 DNC 0017/2013 DNC 1316 | |
2013 DNC 0465 | |
2013 DNC 1530 | |
2014 DNC 0023 | |
2013 DNC 0549 | |
2013 DNC 0716/2014 DNC 0058 | |
2011 DNC 4/2014 DNC 1654 | |
2013 DNC 1329 | |
2012 DNC 0429 | |
2014 DNC 0133 | |
Belcar Associates Inc. d/b/a Majestic Homes Service and Maintenance |
2014 DNC 0061 |
2015 DNC 0237 | |
2014 DNC 0132 | |
2012 DNC 2120 | |
2012 DNC 2121 | |
2011 DNC 0001 | |
2014 DNC 0063/2014 DNC 1653 | |
2015 DNC 0167 | |
2014 DNC 0035 | |
2015 DNC 0170 | |
2015 DNC 0445 | |
2015 DNC 0236 | |
2015 DNC 0238 | |
2015 DNC 0149 | |
2016 DNC 0187 | |
2017 DNC 0499 | |
2018 DNC 1024 | |
Home Grants Outreach/ Halcyon Inc. | 2019-C-062102 |
Synergy Capital Inc. | 2019-C-101001 |
Donisi Jax, Inc. | 2018-080101 |
eAgent Direct Inc. | 2019-C-091301 |
Verde Energy Partners LLC |
2019-C-042201 |
Byte Success Marketing, LLC | 2019-C-081601 |
BPO Solutions | 2021-C-050603 |
Transparent BPO LLC | 2019-C-071901 |
Yodel Technology Services, LLC | 2020-C-090101 |
Andrews Wharton, Inc. | 2019-C-102501 |
CPA Data Solutions, CS Marketing LLC | 2020-C-050602 |
2022-C-052502 | |
Momentum Solar LLC | 2021-C-073001 |
Call Core Media Inc. | 2022-C-012701 |
WEIBIAO | 2021-C-050601 |
How Do I Register?
You can register your phone number online at https://www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you register by phone, you must call from the phone number you wish to register. Once registered, your telephone number remains on the DNC Registry, without expiration, unless the phone number is permanently disconnected and reassigned to a new consumer or you choose to remove it.
When Should I File a Do Not Call Complaint?
If you receive an unwanted telemarketing call after your number has been on the DNC Registry for more than 31 days, you can file a Do Not Call complaint online at the Registry’s website https://www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you received a call that used a recorded message instead of a live person (known as a “robocall”), you can file a complaint whether or not your number is on the Registry. For more tips on how to fill out the Do Not Call Complaint form, click here.
You may also file a complaint with FCC for unwanted fax, telemarketing, and telephone service and billing issues.
Why Is It Important to File a Do Not Call Complaint?
The Division of Consumer Protection routinely reviews the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Database for Do Not Call complaints filed by New York Residents. The FTC also reviews complaints filed Nationwide to determine whether a pattern or practice of violations of the National Do Not Call Registry is occurring. By filing a complaint, you can help the Division track down and identify violators of the Do Not Call law and take legal action against the businesses making those unwanted, unsolicited and often annoying telemarketing phone calls.
Registering your phone number on the DNC Registry is only the first step towards bringing these calls to an end. The next step is to file a complaint for every unwanted call. The Division uses the consumer complaints to take enforcement action against the violators who can be fined for each illegal call. The more complaints filed, the higher the fine that may be levied.
Is Your Business In Compliance?
Once a consumer’s telephone number has been registered on the DNC registry for 31 days, DNC laws prohibit you from calling it. Your business can be fined up to $11,000 per call by the New York Department of State, as well as by the FTC and Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Your business can register and gain access to the DNC registry by visiting DoNotCall.gov. You can either:
- Purchase the entire U.S. database, or
- Gain access to the first five area codes for free, with additional area codes available for purchase.
Your business is responsible for updating your call lists every 31 days and identifying and registering with the FTC. The FTC assures list accuracy by periodically checking telephone numbers and removing those that are invalid, disconnected or reassigned. As a business, DNC compliance is YOUR responsibility. Do not rely on a third party telemarketing company to protect your business.
Download DCP’s Do Not Call Business Compliance Guidance (pdf)