Stop Unwanted Sales Calls for Free With the Do Not Call Registry

There is a free way to cut down on sales calls

If your phone rings all day with sales pitches, there is something you can do about it, and it will not cost you a cent.

The National Do Not Call Registry is run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). When you add your number, most legitimate telemarketers are required by law to stop calling you.

Registering is always free for you. You never have to pay anyone to add or keep your number on the list.

How the registry actually works

Here is the part many people do not know. Telemarketers are the ones who pay, not you.

Companies that make sales calls have to download the list of registered numbers each year and avoid calling them. The FTC just announced the fees these businesses will pay starting October 1, 2026.

In FY 2027, it will cost a telemarketer $85 to access a single area code, up $3 from FY 2026. The most any single company can be charged for all area codes nationwide will be $23,425, up from $22,626. The point for you is simple: businesses pay to follow the rules, and you pay nothing to be protected.

A good back-to-school money move

August is a busy, expensive month for families. The last thing you need is your phone buzzing with sales calls while you sort out school costs.

Adding your cell and home numbers to the registry is a quick, free task you can knock out in a few minutes. Once you are on the list, most sales calls should stop within about a month.

Keep in mind the registry does not block every call. Charities, political groups, surveys, and businesses you already deal with can still reach you. And scammers who break the law will ignore the list entirely. If a caller demands money, threatens you, or promises a prize, that is a red flag. The FTC says it will never do any of those things.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to register my number?

No. Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry is always free. Telemarketers pay fees to access the list, but you never pay to be on it.

How long until the calls stop?

Most legitimate sales calls should stop within about 31 days after you register. Scammers who break the law may still call, so report those to the FTC.

Will it block every call?

No. Charities, political groups, surveys, and companies you already do business with can still call. The registry mainly stops legitimate sales calls.

Do I need to register again every year?

No. Your number stays on the list until you remove it or the number is disconnected. It is the telemarketers who must renew their access each year.