As you may know, Consumer Protection BC plays a role in licensing and regulating certain telemarketers. For example, the law under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act states when a telemarketer can call you. That being said, we are aware that some consumers prefer not to receive calls at all. If you are one of these people, you may want to look into the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) National Do Not Call List.
The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) is a service Canadians can sign up for which reduces the unwanted telemarketing calls you receive to your cellular phone, home phone, or fax number. The service is free and lasts for 5 years. After 5 years you are required to register your telephone number again. There are 2 different ways to sign up with the DNCL.
1. Online registration
You can register online by accessing the DNCL link and submitting the phone numbers you no longer wish to receive calls.
2. Telephone registration
You can also register your number by dialing the DNCL toll free line: 1-866-580-DNCL (3625). When registering by telephone, you must call from the number you wish to register.
Things to Keep in Mind
- After you register, please be patient. The CRTC says that you may continue to receive calls 31 days following registration.
- Some people confuse debt collection agencies with telemarketers. Collection agencies fall under a different business category and are not covered within the DNCL. If you are receiving unwanted collection calls, learn more about debt collection practices on our website.
- There are exemptions to the DNCL. These include registered charities, newspapers looking for subscribers, and political parties and their candidates.
- Companies that you have an existing business relationship with in the last 18 months are also exempt. For more information on who can still call you, click here.
For more information about telemarketers, check out the telemarketing section of our website. If you have any questions about the Do Not Call List, contact the CRTC at 1-866-580-DNCL (3625) or check out their website.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Watch out for charity scams
Caution your loved ones about the “hang-up delay” scam
Cell phone scams: What do you need to look for?
Hang up on unwanted scam calls
I use a callblocker called T-Lock and then check badnumbers.com whenever a new number comes in.
Have been on the “do not call list” since it started & have found it great. Now with the recent requirement for stopping unsolicited emails, is there somewhere that I can report unsolicited emails to get them stopped? These are emails that also don’t give you the option of opting out of receiving them & are from sources I have never used. Thanks,Muriel
Hi Muriel. You can contact the CRTC to lodge a complaint. Their number is Toll-free: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)