For Immediate Release
February 7, 2007
Contact: Joe Sterns
717-787-5708
(Cell) 717-497-0806
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Folmer Encourages Pennsylvanians to Register or Re-register on the State's "Do Not Call" List

State Senator "Citizen" Mike Folmer today encouraged Pennsylvania residents who do not wish to receive unsolicited telemarketing calls to register or re-register on the state’s "Do Not Call" list.

In 2002, the General Assembly enacted a law creating the "Do Not Call" list, intended to protect the privacy of citizens in their homes who do not want to be hassled by unsolicited phone calls from telemarketers.

"In a free market society, we expect a certain amount of advertising and sales pitches," said Folmer.  "But, at home, we have an expectation of privacy,"

Folmer said that judging from consumers’ responses; the law has been a success. However, it only covers a five-year period, so the original registrations are scheduled to expire in July 2007.

"Due to the expected large volume of people trying to re-register before the deadline, it might be a good idea to do so in advance," said Folmer.

Information, enrollment forms and links to the national Do Not Call list are available online at www.nocallsplease.com, a website generated by the state Attorney General’s office.  You can also register by calling a toll-free hotline at 1-888-777-3406.

The only information you are required to provide to be registered is your name, address and phone number.  Cell phones may also be registered in addition to land lines.

The state has contracted with the nonprofit Direct Marketing Association to maintain the list of consumers who want to avoid telemarketing calls. The association is responsible for updating the list and providing that list to telemarketers on a quarterly basis.

Folmer said every telemarketer that calls consumers in Pennsylvania is required to purchase the list from the list administrator. The telemarketer must then remove every name on the "Do Not Call" list from their calling lists within 30 days of receiving the list. A violation of the law carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000, or $3,000 if the person contacted is age 60 or older.

"Unsolicited phone calls can be a nuisance, especially for people who are trying to enjoy dinner with their family or get some afternoon or evening rest because they are working third shift," said Folmer.  "If you registered for the Do Not Call list, and you like the results, take a few minutes to sign up again. If you haven’t signed up in the past, I encourage you to visit the Attorney General’s website and register.  "