Do-Not-Call Registry: A Great Identity Theft Protection Tool

Very few people like telemarketers. They are notorious for calling during dinner, when you are in the shower, or just after you put the baby down for a nap. Not only can telemarketers be annoying, but they can also put you at risk for identity theft. The Do-Not-Call Registry, enacted by the U.S. Government several years ago, can protect you against telemarketers, as well as provide you with protection against identity theft.

What the Do-Not-Call Registry is

The Do-Not-Call Registry was authorized by the Federal Communications Commission in 2003. If you are tired of receiving calls from telemarketers, you can register your phone numbers for the Do-Not-Call Registry. To register your phone number, you can call 1-888-382-1222, or you can go on the internet at www.donotcall.gov. It may take up to 31 days before all telemarketing calls are stopped, but once you are on, you do not have to renew. Both landline and cell phone numbers can be placed on this list.

How the Do-Not-Call List Protects Your Identity

The less information that is circulating about you, the less likely you are to become a victim of identity theft. Additionally, the Do-Not-Call Registry can protect you against telemarketers that are engaged in fraud. Some telemarketers may tell you that you have won a wonderful prize, but in exchange, you are asked to buy a small item or give away bank account information. Once you give away this information, telemarketers could use this information for illicit purposes. Adding your phone numbers to the Do-Not-Call list will cut back on these types of telemarketing calls, and serve as a means to protect your identity.

Exclusions and Things to Watch Out For

There are some people that are still allowed to call you, even if you are registered with the Do-Not-Call Registry. Companies that you have recently done business with, nonprofit organizations, callers that you have given written permission to call you, and pollsters can still call you. One of these companies that are still allowed to call you might request personal information from you when they call. It is never a good idea to give out personal information to an unsolicited telephone caller, even if they claim to be calling on behalf of a charity or are selling something that you are interested in. If you want to donate to their charity or buy their product, tell them that you will go to their web site and make a purchase or donate, but you do not give out information over the phone.

Other Lists that Protects You against Identity Theft

While you are signing up for the Do-Not-Call Registry, you might want to stop receiving marketing materials from the credit reporting agencies. You can do this by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT or by going online to www.optoutprescreen.com. By doing this, you will receive fewer preapproved credit card offers. Thieves have been known to dig through trash in order to use these offers for themselves. A news agency did an experiment once, where they taped together a torn up preapproved credit card offer, and the credit card agency issued them a credit card! Your state might also have its own Do-Not-Call Registry. If so, sign up for it as well.