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Protect Yourself From Unwanted Calls

Cut down on telemarketing and scam calls by registering your number with the free, official National Do Not Call Registry.

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Register your phone number — it’s free

The National Do Not Call Registry is run by the U.S. government (the FTC). There is never a charge.

Go to donotcall.gov →

Or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.

1

Register on the National Do Not Call Registry

Add your home and cell numbers at donotcall.gov (or call 1-888-382-1222). After 31 days, most legitimate telemarketers must stop calling you.

2

It’s free and never expires

There is no fee and your registration does not expire — you never need to re-register. Anyone who asks you to pay to join is running a scam.

3

Don’t answer numbers you don’t know

Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Real callers will leave a message. Answering tells scammers your number is active.

4

Turn on your phone’s call blocking

Most phones and carriers offer free “silence unknown callers” or spam-filtering features. Ask a family member to help you switch them on.

5

Remember: the registry won’t stop scammers

Crooks ignore the law, so the registry mainly cuts honest telemarketers. If a caller pressures you, asks for money, or sounds too good to be true, hang up.

6

Report unwanted calls

Still getting calls 31 days after registering? Report them at donotcall.gov so the FTC can take action.

Getting robocalls and spam texts too?

How to Stop Unwanted Robocalls & Texts →

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