Massachusetts "Do Not Call" Registration Now Protecting Over Half Of The State's Residents

Two years since the inception of the Massachusetts "Do Not Call" Law and nearly 1.5 million Massachusetts citizens have registered their residential phones with the state's voluntary, free program aimed at freeing residents from pesky telemarketing calls.

During National Consumer Protection Week, Massachusetts Consumer Affairs Director Beth Lindstrom is calling on all Massachusetts citizens, who haven't already done so, to enroll. "Our goal is 100% protection. It's as easy as placing a call or registering online through the state's web portal. We also want consumers to know that they can register their personal cell phones as well to guard against telemarketers getting aggressive on that front," said Director Lindstrom.

The free state program requires businesses which "cold call" consumers to register with the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. State rules prohibit sales calls to any residents between the hours of 8pm and 8am regardless of enrollment and further protects enrollees at other hours. The state registry also protects consumers from telephone solicitors who use devices to hide their identities from consumers.

The Office of Consumer Affairs continues to update the National "Do Not Call" registry by transferring newly registered Massachusetts phone numbers on a quarterly basis.

Residents can enroll 24-hours a day FREE of charge by dialing 866-231-CALL (2255) or online at www.mass.gov. Consumer with questions about the program can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs Hotline toll free at 888-283-3757. Director Lindstrom advises those who continue to receive unwanted solicitations after signing up with the "Do Not Call" Registry to call the Attorney General's Complaint Hotline at 617-727-8400 and file a complaint.