Kathy Buzzard, Residential Accounts Supervisor

Pennsylvania "Do-Not-Call" Program: Many people have asked about the new Pennsylvania "Do-Not-Call" Program, a no-cost program that will allow consumers to reduce the number of unsolicited and unwanted telemarketing calls they receive at home. I wanted to take a few minutes to explain how it works, who it does and does not prevent from calling you, and how you would go about having your name and number added to it.

WHO does it prevent from calling you?  Unsolicited calls from companies marketing their goods or services to you. WHAT companies are exempt?  Companies that have an existing (or have had an existing) business relationship with you, those calling on behalf of tax-exempt charitable organizations, political parties and candidates, and others not involved in the sale of goods or services. WHERE can consumers sign up?  You have several options. You can call 1-888-777-3406 and follow the prompts. You can go online to www.attorneygeneral.gov and register using the "Online Enrollment" option. You can contact the Direct Marketing Association by writing to them at DMA Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 1559, Carmel, N.Y. 10512 WHEN will my name be removed from the telemarketer’s lists?  Telemarketers purchase the "Do not Call" list quarterly, and they then have 30 days to remove your name from their lists. This means, for example, that if you sign up by September 15, you should see a reduction in calls by November 1st. Remember...Since you are registered by your phone number, if you change numbers you will need to register your new number also. NOTE:  If you are on the "Do-Not-Call" list but receive an unsolicited call from a company not exempt, you can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection. This can be done by either going to the Attorney General’s web site listed above for instructions on how to file online, or by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-800-441-2555 for assistance. #          #         #