Success of US Do Not Call Register

The US Federal Trade Commission has released 2003 figures concerning the newly launched 'National Do Not Call' register. Consumers registered over 55 million numbers last year, and there have been just over 150,000 complaints made. Fewer than 45 companies have been the subject of 100 or more complaints.

Of the total 150,409 complaints consumers submitted to the Registry, some did not include the name of a company, and others involved multiple complaints involving the same company name, leaving a total of just over 55,000 specific company names against which complaints were lodged.

At the same time, a Harris Interactive(r) survey indicates that more than half of all US adults (57%) say that they have signed up for the registry. Ninety-two percent of those who signed up report receiving fewer telemarketing calls since signing up, and twenty-five percent say they have received none.

The results have been heralded as a success. FTC Chairman Timothy J. Muris says 'The telemarketing industry has shown exceptional compliance with the National Do Not Call Registry. The program has been highly successful in protecting consumers' privacy'. However, he adds that 'While we appreciate the high rate of compliance, we are taking a hard look at the top violators. Assuring compliance with the Registry remains a high priority for the Commission'.

According to Humphrey Taylor, chairman of The Harris Poll(r), Harris Interactive, 'In my experience these results are remarkable. It is rare to find so many people benefit so quickly from a relatively inexpensive government program'.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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