The National Do Not Call Registry
The National DNC Registry (effective 2003) lets residents register residential and wireless numbers. Sellers/telemarketers must access it before calling and update lists every 31 days. Each seller gets a non-transferable SAN. Failing to check the registry is a violation even if the number is not listed.
The National Do Not Call Registry is the FTC's best-known TSR program. It lets U.S. residents register residential and wireless numbers. The provisions took effect in 2003. Sellers and telemarketers must access the registry before phone solicitations and update call lists every 31 days.
Each seller establishes a profile and receives a unique Subscription Account Number (SAN) upon paying the fee. A telemarketer may use a seller-client's SAN at no cost, but access is limited to the area codes the seller-client paid for. SANs are not transferable.
It is a violation of the TSR to call a consumer (absent an exception) without first checking the registry - even calling a number that is NOT on the registry violates the rule if the registry was not checked.
The FTC, FCC and state AGs enforce the registry (now roughly 250 million numbers). Violations can lead to civil penalties up to $50,120 per violation, nationwide injunctions and consumer redress.