Do Not Call Registry Scam - How it Works

Scammers are again making phone calls posing as representatives of the National Do Not Call Registry. The callers claim to provide an opportunity to register your phone number, but it's a trick.

How the Scam Works:  Someone calls you claiming to represent the FTC's National Do Not Call Registry or Canada's National Do Not Call List. The "representative" says he is offering you the chance to register your phone number in order to limit telemarketing calls. Several versions of this exist. In one, scammers ask for personal information, such as your name, address and Social Security number. In another, scammers try to charge a fee to join the registry. Either way, just hang up the phone. The call is a scam. The registry is a free service, and sharing personal information with the caller will put you at risk for identity theft. 

How to Protect Yourself from Do Not Call Registry Scams:  

• You never need to pay. National Do Not Call Registry is a free service of the federal government.
• Don't share your personal information if someone calls you claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry. 
• Private businesses cannot register phone numbers. Consumers may register directly, or through some state governments, but never through private companies. If someone claims otherwise, it's a scam.
• Remember that your participation in the National Do Not Call Registry does not expire. 
• To add your number to the Do Not Call Registry, go to   Donotcall.gov https://www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register. If you want to verify your number, use the feature on the registry's website https://www.donotcall.gov/confirm/conf.aspx
• Canadians have their own National Do Not Call List.  Register for that at   https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng  

     For frequently asked questions about the Do Not Call Registry, check the FTC website at  

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0108-national-do-not-call-registry.  To find out more about scams, check out the BBB Scam Stopper at http://www.bbb.org/scam-stopper.

[Source:  BBB Scam Alert 20 Sep 2013]