A Guide to Do Not Call Compliance

‘Please add me to the DNC list’ and just with that request, many consumers can manage the calls they receive. In 2003, the DNC sprung up as a means to relieve people of the constant unsolicited calls they were receiving by marketing companies. The DNC is under the TCPA (Telephone Customer Protection Act).

Telemarketing is a tool used in reaching clients or consumers. Although it may look easy, it is more than just contacting different phone numbers. The rights of these contact owners and their choices should affect how telemarketing operates. As a result, some states have put regulations in place. Even at the federal level, laws exist to help marketers or advertisers obey consumer privacy and rights while also having a successful telemarketing run.

The DNC is one of such laws they should follow. In this list, consumers can choose whether to receive advertising calls or not. Violating this as a company will attract fines and other punishment might follow. So do not call compliance is important to telemarketers.

But what is DNC? Why should a company comply with it? What rules should telemarketers follow to show they are compliant?

What is DNC?

The DNC or do not call is a registry containing consumers’ phone numbers that do not or would like to limit how often telemarketing calls reach their end. The list came into existence in 2003 by the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). The list provides telemarketers with the numbers they shouldn’t advertise their sales to.

Furthermore, the list rests on four postulates:

• It ensures that telemarketers can be specific when disclosing information.
• It prohibits misinterpretation, as well as sets time limits on how telemarketers call consumers.
• It prohibits unsolicited calls when the consumers have asked not to receive such anymore.
• It sets certain payment restrictions on specific goods or services.

How Can Telemarketers Violate DNC Registry?

As already stated, DNC shows numbers of consumers that do not want to receive calls from sales reps, marketers, etc. Here are three actions that show the violation of this list:

1. a) Trying to interfere with consumers’ right to get their numbers listed.
2. b) Having the DNC list but using it for other purposes rather than for complying with the regulations.
3. c) Calling persons that have their numbers on the list. The only exception to this is if the consumer:

• Has purchased from your marketing company. Or they have a form of financial transaction with your firm.
• Wants to make an inquiry or has done so three months before entering the list.

Other than those two exceptions and having proof of ‘accidental calling’, failure to be complaint will attract a fine. You can click on https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Do_Not_Call_Registry to get a clearer understanding of what DNC is about.

How Can Telemarketers Show DNC Compliance?

All telemarketing companies should get the DNC registry and access the numbers in the list before starting any advertising campaign. They need to scrub these numbers off the number list per state code they may have. These numbers do not want unsolicited calls, so these companies must follow this rule.

Getting access to this registry can be costly. The initial five state codes are free, but for many area codes, it requires a subscription before accessing them. Telemarketing companies should be careful not to violate federal rules by calling someone on the list.

Being safe in this regard is paramount. In cases where a company accidentally dials a DNC registered number, fines will not be set for them provided they meet certain requirements. These requirements are:

(i) The company must have a written code showing the procedures it follows when ensuring compliance.

(ii) The company should volunteer personnel that will receive training on being DNC compliant.

(iii) Being complaint will be compulsory and there will be monitoring to see whether the company is following the said rules.

(iv) The firm must also have a personal company register that shows consumers who they do not call.

(v) The firm is diligent in following the list for months and recording the processes.

(vi) Have proof that the violation was accidental.

Failure to meet these requirements will attract fines and certain bills from lawsuits. Both FTC and FCC will fine your firm per violation. Then at the state level, there will also be varying charges on your business.

Rules that Govern Do-Not-Call Registry List

No one wants to face a fine or lose a lawsuit for a rule that is easy to follow. So even though being DNC compliant might be a burden to your company, it is necessary. To help your firm, having to follow certain rules should instill a compliant spirit in your staff members. Here are eleven basic rules that companies should ensure to follow:

1) Never contact numbers that are on the DNC list registry.

2) Never try to contact numbers that you have in your company’s in-house record either.

3) Be quick to add consumers’ numbers to this in-house list if they want you to. Do not hesitate in responding to their request.

4) Do not call these consumers before 8 am or at night after 9 pm according to their time zones.

5) Do not robocall clients that have not written consent or given a go-ahead that allows you.

6) Use your company’s caller ID. Never try to trick consumers into thinking you are someone else so they can answer your calls.

7) Try to reduce the number of abandoned calls.

8) Do not threaten any consumer when speaking.

9) Never use foul language when speaking.

10) Do not call anyone to abuse, harass, or annoy them.

11) Try to synchronize the list monthly, removing the names of those you usually call before but now have their numbers in the DNC list.

You can visit this website to get a more detailed explanation of these important rules.

Conclusion

Being compliant with DNC is a big effort a company should make. Set guidelines for your marketing team so they can follow these rules. Not allowing prospective customers to have a bad view of your company is one important benefit of being compliant.

Also, it will protect your business from legal issues, fines, and charges. So, is your company DNC complaint? Ensure to read this guide to get the right answer.