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| Contact: Deborah Sturm Rausch (518) 473-9472 | For Immediate Release: February 28, 2008 |
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New York State Consumer Protection Board Applauds
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| The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) applauds the recent
passage of the “Do Not Call Improvement Act of 2007,” assuring that
telephone numbers on the national Do Not Call Registry of the Telemarketing
Sales Rule since the establishment of the Registry will be extended without
expiration, unless requested by the consumer. The new Law will eliminate any
possible confusion about whether or not a registered phone number is valid
on the list, and will thus further protect consumers. The Act also calls for
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to assure list accuracy by periodically
checking registered numbers and removing those that are invalid,
disconnected or reassigned. “As the Do Not Call enforcement Agency in New York State, the CPB has been protecting consumers from unwanted telephone marketing since 2001 when the option became available,” said CPB Chairperson and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein. “We urge New Yorkers to register their land lines and mobile numbers as a protection against unsolicited telemarketing sales calls and to save money from unwanted incoming calls. Keeping phone numbers on the list permanently is a convenience for consumers, especially now since telephone portability makes it possible for people to maintain their phone numbers for a longer period of time. We maintain our vigilance against violators and are committed to protecting consumers whose numbers are registered.” With approximately 9 million New York telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Telemarketing Registry, most telemarketing sales calls to residential and mobile telephone lines have been reduced. However, violations of the Law continue. The CPB has pursued more than 400 Do Not Call cases involving violations of the law since 2001. The law does not apply to political or nonprofit organizations. “The CPB recommends that the FTC be more vigilant about enforcing the Law on the national level,” Bockstein continued. “The CPB will continue to work with the federal government, suggesting upgrades and enhancements to the Law to safeguard people’s privacy.” In 2007, with consumers feeling uncertain about how to confirm that their landline and mobile phone numbers were listed in the Registry due to the scheduled expiration of some listings, and to provide reassurance for New Yorkers, the CPB launched its "Do Not Panic on Do Not Call” “ campaign, to advise and update consumers. Individuals may continue to register for updates on the Do Not Call law by logging on to the CPB website at www.nysconsumer.gov and clicking on the “Do Not Call” icon. New Yorkers may sign up for the Do Not Call Registry or file related complaints online at donotcall.gov and via the Toll-Free line at 1-888-382-1222. For Do Not Call or other consumer information, visit the CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov or call the CPB Toll-Free at 1-800-697-1220. The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State's top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the “Do Not Call Law”; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies. To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB), call our toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov. In addition to the online complaint form, the website is home to important consumer safety information. To join the CPB’s Do Not Call Reminder list, send an e-mail to CPB's Do Not Call Reminder list |