Contact: Ashley Huibregtse, 608-224-5002, ashley.huibregtse@wisconsin.gov
Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, jim.dick@wisconsin.gov
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding consumers of their next opportunity to sign up for the No Call List if they do not want to be contacted by telemarketers. Numbers registered by Wednesday, November 30 will receive the protections of the state No Call law beginning on January 1, 2012.
“We’re fortunate in this state to have some of the strongest No Call laws in the country,” said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “If you are not on the list, you are missing out on the protections that 2.2 million Wisconsin residents now receive.”
To register residential landlines, cell phones, and VoIP numbers, visit nocall.wisconsin.gov or call toll-free 1-866-966-2255. Consumers can register 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Registering phone numbers on the list will reduce the number of telemarketing calls received — and also helps consumers spot potential scams.
“If you’re on the No Call List and receive a telemarketing sales pitch, that should send up a red flag,” Chalmers said. “That telemarketer is ignoring the No Call law and may be ignoring other laws as well.”
An updated No Call List is sent to telemarketers quarterly. Telemarketers are prohibited by state law from making sales calls to numbers on the list. Violations of state law carry a $100 penalty per call.
The No Call List is a free service provided for consumers by DATCP since 2003. Each registration on the No Call List is effective for two years.
If you receive a call in violation of the Wisconsin No Call law, file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection by emailing datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or calling 1-800-422-7128.
