BBB Alerts Consumers of Do Not Call Phone Scam

Feb. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- RALEIGH, N.C. (February 13, 2012) — Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina warns consumers that scam artists are making phony phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry.

According to DoNotCall.gov, “The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls. To add your number to the Registry you can call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or go click on ‘Register a Phone Number’ in the left column of this page.”

The National Do Not Call Registry gives consumers an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. Once consumers register their phone number, telemarketers have up to 31 days from the date the telephone number is registered to stop calling.

BBB reminds consumers:
•   Do not provide personal information to unknown callers, including bank information, Social Security Numbers and contact information.
•   If your number is already registered with the Do Not Call Registry, your registration does not expire. You can verify if and when your number was registered by going to DoNotCall.gov.

The Federal Trade Commission does not allow private companies or other third parties to register consumers for the National Do Not Call Registry. BBB advises consumers to beware of Web sites or phone solicitations that claim they can register a consumer’s name or phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry for a fee.

FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. As automated dialers are standard in the industry, most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. However, consumers can still register their cell phone number if they prefer to.

Consumers should visit DoNotCall.gov to file a complaint with the National Do Not Call Registry if they are still receiving unwanted phone calls after their number is on the registry for 31 days.

For more information, visit bbb.org.

About the BBB serving Eastern North Carolina

The Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 2,900 local businesses and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace.  Services provided by BBB include, reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs.  All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.