How to Stop Telemarketing Calls
Telemarketing calls are unsolicited sales calls from businesses. Learn your rights under the TCPA and how to make them stop.
What is telemarketing?
Telemarketing is the practice of calling people to sell products or services. It includes calls from businesses, salespeople, and lead-generation services. Under the TCPA, telemarketers must respect the National Do Not Call Registry and honor your request to stop calling.
Your rights under the TCPA
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA, 47 U.S.C. § 227) restricts telemarketing calls. Telemarketers must not call numbers on the Do Not Call Registry, must honor your request to stop calling, and must not use automated dialers without your consent. Violations can result in statutory damages of $500–$1,500 per call.
How to stop telemarketing calls
Register your number at donotcall.gov — it takes 31 days to take effect. When you receive a telemarketing call, ask the caller to place you on their do-not-call list and note the date. Block repeat offenders, and let unknown calls go to voicemail.
Document telemarketing calls with CivicShield
CivicShield helps you log each telemarketing call with the company name, number, date, and what was said. Track whether calls continue after you've asked them to stop — repeat calls after an opt-out request are the kind of pattern that builds a stronger record.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the Do Not Call Registry?
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free FTC service at donotcall.gov. Once you register, legitimate telemarketers must stop calling within 31 days. It does not block calls from political organizations, charities, or scammers.
How long does it take for calls to stop?
After registering on the Do Not Call Registry, telemarketers have 31 days to stop calling. If they continue after that, you can file a complaint with the FTC.
Are all telemarketing calls illegal?
No. Telemarketing is legal if the business has a relationship with you or if you've given consent. But all telemarketers must respect the Do Not Call Registry and honor your request to stop.
What should I do if calls continue?
Document each call with the date, time, and company name. Ask to be placed on their do-not-call list. If calls continue, file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints.
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Disclaimer: CivicShield is a consumer privacy and documentation tool, not a law firm. CivicShield does not provide legal advice or guarantee a particular legal outcome. Laws and regulations vary by circumstance and jurisdiction. References to laws such as the TCPA or CAN-SPAM Act are for general informational purposes only — consult authoritative sources like the FCC and FTC for official guidance.