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Make Sure You're Do Not Call Compliant
Previos Article | Next ArticleBy Tiffany Binate - Editor
Record Information Services
December 2007
As we are all aware, the “Do Not Call” Registry took effect on October 1st, 2003. Although there are still lawsuits pending against the concept, as well as many unanswered questions, after five years in existence it’s more popular than ever.
Recently Congress took up the expiration clause that was in the original bill. It stated that after 5 years that everyone one the list would have to re-register if they wanted to still is on it. The measure was reversed in the House and is still waiting approval in the Senate. Rest-assured that by popular demand, if you registered to be on the Do-Not-Call list five years ago you will not have to re-register.
Millions have signed up for the registry which was designed for consumers to only receive telemarketing calls from people they wanted to hear from. However, there are exceptions to the Registry. This includes a company in which you have established a business relationship with – they may call you up to 18 months after your last purchase, delivery, or your last payment to them, unless you specifically ask the company not to call again. Also, if you make an inquiry or submit an application to a company, that company can call you up to three months afterwards unless you make a specific request that the company not do so. In addition, political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors may still call you.
Telemarketing is the lifeblood of the mortgage business these days by offering people the opportunity to refinance or move up in this incredibly low rate environment. However, the Registry is the law, and there are potentially hefty fines for violation. According to the DNC web site, as much as $11,000 per violation can be fined. Although the burden of proof is on the person receiving the call, I don’t think anyone wants to go through the hassle.
As an established data provider in the metro Chicago area, Record Information Services understands the importance of delivering information that is fully compliant with these new laws. Our Web site www.public-record.com carries the DNC logo and is compliant with these laws. There are many providers across the country, some big and some small. Those that are reputable should inform their customers that they are fully compliant. When purchasing information, it is very important that you never assume that the data you are purchasing is DNC compliant, as this could be a detrimental oversight.
Also, please keep in mind the DNC lists are required to be updated every three months. Data that you purchase prior to the next updated quarter needs to be deleted from your disc, hard drive or print outs as those lists do not contain the updated information. While it is difficult for any organization that provides data or does telemarketing to take full responsibility, if you comply and follow the rules, the company should have all the back-up documentation that they followed the DNC guidelines. The word for the day is buyer-beware. It is very crucial that you have someone you can trust in your office to keep these files organized and clean.
Although we do not know where all this is going, many in the business community are asking “what’s next?” Rumor has it a “Do-Not-Mail” Registry is being contemplated. If enacted, this could have a huge effect on our economy. I guess we will have to wait and see.
Jeffrey Metcalf is the owner of Record Information Services, Inc., a data provider for the greater metro Chicago area and an IAMB member. For additional questions, Jeffrey can be reached at 630-557-1000 or jmetcalf@public-record.com.
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