It seems like it was only yesterday that the national "Do Not Call" list was introduced to the United States. It was met with rousing applause from practically everyone except the telemarketing companies. The premise was simple: You call an 800 number or visit a Web site, register your phone number, and telemarketers can't call you. There are exceptions, of course, like charities, politicians, and survey takers. Still, it meant the average American could usually sit through dinner or a television show without having to answer the phone every five minutes and say, "I'm not interested, thanks."
Well, time flies when you're having fun. It turns out it wasn't yesterday; it was back in June of 2003. And guess what? That registration isn't permanent. After five years, your phone number falls off the list. Your protection is gone, and you're again fair game to telemarketers. Hey, hey, it's okay, there's no reason to panic. All you have to do is re-register the phone number and you're set for the next five years.
If you can't remember when you registered your number (or if you ever did!), you can find out quickly online.
1. Go to http://donotcall.gov.
2. Select the button to "Verify a Registration" on the left side of the window.
3. You can enter up to three phone numbers, with area code, plus your email address. Click on the "Submit" button.
4. If the information is correct, click on the "Verify" button.
5. You'll receive an email with the information about the numbers you submitted, including if and when they were registered.
To re-register a phone number that's about to expire, or register a new number, do it online as well.
1. Go to http://donotcall.gov.
2. Click on the "Register Now" button.
3. Enter up to three phone numbers and your email address. Click on the "Submit" button.
4. If the information is correct, click on the "Register" button.
5. Check your email for a message from Register@donotcall.gov. Open the email and click on the link to complete your registration.
6. Go buy a calendar for 2012 and mark the date when you'll need to re-register your phone numbers again.
Okay, so maybe that last one is a bit premature...!
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