Do Not Call Lists

Under this law, those who telemarket in Pennsylvania, with some major exceptions, such as charities and political groups, are required to check their own lists on a quarterly basis, to monitor who they may not call. In order to be placed on the do-not-call list you can sign up on the Internet (www.donotcall.gov) or by telephone at 1-888-777-3406. Over 2.2 million Pennsylvanians have seined up for the do-not-call list.

Enforcement: If you believe a telemarketer is violating the law, you can file a complaint on line or by telephone at the above number or Internet address. There are no first tries, every violation should be reported.

Prerecorded calls are more problematical but a complaint can be filed with the FCC by calling 1-888-225-5322; online at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us, or by letter to the FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer inquiries and Complaints Division, 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C.20554. Prerecorded calls are illegal if made to residential phone lines. Exceptions include calls from tax-exempt nonprofits or from companies with which you already have an established business relationship.