Consumer Protection Tips Offered by NYS Dept. of State Division of Consumer Protection For Unwanted Telemarketing Calls

Tips are being offered by the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection on unwanted telemarketing calls. The Division of Consumer Protection is encouraging New Yorkers to register their phone numbers with the Do Not Call Registry. They’re also encouraged to file a complaint each time they receive an unwanted telemarketing call if its after 31 days adding their number to the registry.

“Every consumer should take the time to put their phone number on the Do Not Call Registry and report any instance of an unwanted telemarketing call so we can track down bad actors and take legal action against them.”

Said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley.

Back on January 1st of this year, the state enacted the “Seinfeld Law,” which is named after the iconic tv series, Seinfeld. The law protects consumers from deceptive telemarketing practices while also promoting transparency and accountability within the telemarketing industry. The law now requires telemarketers to identify themselves in the first 30-seconds of the phone call; the identification must include their name, company they represent, and why they are calling you. The telemarketer must also provide the option to the consumer they call to see if they would like to be added to that company’s Do Not Call list.

“We’ve all been on the receiving end of annoying and unwanted telemarketing calls, and too many New Yorkers don’t know that there are tools available to help make them stop,”

Mosley continued.

According to the Department of State, the Do Not Call Registry is designed to stop companies from promoting their goods and services by making unwanted sales calls to potential customers. The registry allows you to register both landline and mobile phone numbers into one central database to limit the number of unwanted calls you receive. After registering, telemarketers will have 31 days to stop calling you. Exempt from the registry are political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors. 

So far, 75% of New Yorkers have registered their phone numbers with the Do Not Call Registry. To register you can visit online at DoNotCall.gov or calling 888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the number you want to register.