National Do Not Call List
What is the National Do Not Call List?
Every year, thousands of Canadians raise concerns about receiving unwanted telemarketing calls. In 2006, the federal government passed a law allowing for the creation of a National Do Not Call List (DNCL) that all telemarketers must respect. The National DNCL becomes active in September 2008. When you sign up to have your cellular, home phone or fax number included on it, companies making unsolicited marketing or sales calls can no longer contact you.
Sign up!
Make sure you’re ready when Canada’s National Do Not Call List takes effect. Beginning September 2008 go to www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca or call 1-866-580-DNCL (866-580-3625) to register. You can manage your privacy. It’s your choice.
National Do Not Call List at a glance
Remember:
- Signing up is simple and quick
- It’s the telemarketer’s job by law to check and respect the National DNCL
- Some kinds of calls are exempt – the National DNCL does not apply in every case
- If you do receive a valid call, the telemarketer has to follow Canada’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules
- You may ask to be put on a telemarketer’s own do not call list at any time
- Complaints can be made quickly and easily by phone or online – and any telemarketer found to be in violation of the law can receive financial penalties
-
The National Do Not Call List takes effect in September 2008
Do Not Call List (DNCL) Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do I sign up?
- How long before my registration takes effect?
- Is my registration permanent?
- How do telemarketers know I am on the DNCL?
- What do I do if I get calls after I am on the DNCL?
- What happens to telelmarketers who call people on the DNCL?
- Does being on the list prevent all unsolicited calls?
- Can I do anything to stop exempted calls?
- What rules apply to telemarketers when they are allowed to call?
- What happens if I receive a call after hours?
- Will I be protected from phone fraud if I sign up?
How do I sign up?
Registering for the National DNCL is simple. Call 1-866-580-DNCL (866-580-3625) or log on to www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca and follow the few easy steps required. That’s it: your number will be on the List.
Registering for the National DNCL is simple. Call 1-866-580-DNCL (866-580-3625) or log on to www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca and follow the few easy steps required. That’s it: your number will be on the List.
How long do I have to wait before my registration takes effect?
After you sign up, your numbers will be added to the List within 24 hours. Telemarketers then have 31 days to update their own information and make sure they don’t call you in their next round of solicitation. Don’t expect all calls to stop immediately, though. You could receive calls within those first 31 days.
Is my registration permanent?
No. You must renew every three years if you wish to remain on the List. As well, if your numbers change, you will have to register your new numbers.
How do telemarketers know I’m on the National DNCL?
Telemarketers are required by law to subscribe to the National DNCL. Such companies pay fees to download updates from a secure website. It is their responsibility to ensure numbers on the List are not called.
What do I do if I get calls after I am on the National DNCL?
You can lodge a complaint with the operator of the National DNCL online at www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-580-DNCL (866-580-3625). One important detail: don’t hang up if you get an unwanted call! To make a complaint you need to provide the name of the organization that called you OR the number where that organization can be reached, the date of the call and your own number. By law, telemarketers must give you their name and number. After you make your complaint, an investigator will follow up and determine if the rules have been broken.
What happens to telemarketers who call numbers on the National DNCL?
New legislation gives the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) the power to assign penalties of up to $1,500 per infraction for individuals and $15,000 for corporations that do not follow the National DNCL rules.
Does being on the List prevent all unsolicited calls?
Being on the National DNCL keeps you from receiving most telemarketing calls, but there are exceptions. Registered charities are still allowed to call for donations, and certain other organizations – such as companies conducting polls or surveys, political parties, and newspapers looking for subscriptions – can also continue to contact you. As well, if you’ve done business with a company in the last 18 months, that company is considered to have a relationship with you and is allowed to call. After 18 months the company must stop calling if you’re on the National DNCL, unless you give permission otherwise. To learn more about exemptions call 1-866-580-DNCL
(866-580-3625) or go to www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca.
What rules apply to telemarketers when they are allowed to call?
The CRTC has had rules for telemarketers since 1984. These will still be effective after the National DNCL is launched, and cover everything from permitted calling hours to the use of Automatic Dialing and Announcing Devices (ADAD). You can read the full set of Telemarketing Rules at www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca.
What happens if I receive a call after hours?
Even organizations making exempt calls must abide by the telemarketing rules. Exempt calls that are made outside the permitted calling hours should be reported to the National DNCL operator.
Will I be protected from phone fraud if I sign up?
The National DNCL applies to all telemarketing organizations. It does not necessarily prevent fraudulent telemarketing calls. That’s why it’s important for you to always to be on your guard: if you receive a call and are worried it may be part of a fraud scheme, contact the police.
