Dear Editor:
Earlier this year, I was proud to join my colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing a bill to create a federal “Do Not Call” registry. If a person’s phone number appears on this registry, telemarketers are no longer allowed to call effective October 1, 2003. It is my hope that the people of the 13th Congressional District will take advantage of this new free registry that will terminate unwanted telemarketing phone calls to their homes
There are two ways to register for this list. Currently, registration is available online at http://www.donotcall.gov. If registering online, a constituent must provide the phone number they want protected and an email address to receive a confirmation message. Beginning on July 7, 2003, constituents may call 1-888-382-1222, from the phone number they would like to add to the registry. Please be aware there are no other ways to sign up for this service. Please do not provide your information to any website or phone solicitors that claim they can register on your behalf.
Companies and marketers have until October 1, 2003 to remove any registered phone numbers from their calling lists. Although constituents who sign up for the “Don Not Call” registry will receive fewer unwanted phone calls, there are certain industries that are exempt from this program and may continue to call. These industries include long-distance telephone companies, banks and credit unions, airlines, insurers, political campaigns, charities and companies with which they already have a business relationship.
For more information, or for assistance in signing up for the “Do Not Call Registry” list, please do not hesitate to contact my district office at 201-222-2828.
Sincerely,
Robert Menendez
Member of Congress