No Call List Deadline Approaching

Tuesday, May 31, is the next deadline to register for Wisconsin’s No Call List, a free service offered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.  

“If you are tired of getting calls about credit card debt and fabulous cruises, take a few seconds to sign up for the No Call List," said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection in a news release.

People who sign up on or before May 31 will be part of the updated list, which takes effect July 1. You can register 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1-866-966-2255 or going to nocall.wisconsin.gov.

More than two million residential landline and cell phone numbers are included on the Wisconsin No Call List. Cell phones made up half of all numbers added during the previous registration period.

Being on the No Call List will reduce, but not completely eliminate, unwanted phone calls. Unsolicited calls from charities, poll and survey takers, or on behalf of political campaigns are examples of exemptions.

Consumers must register every two years to stay on the list. It is updated four times a year (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). The registration deadlines are always one month prior to the quarterly updates.

“We want consumers to understand they can sign up at anytime during the year,” Chalmers added. “If they miss a registration deadline, their numbers will become part of the next list update.”

Wisconsin’s No Call List began in 2003. Cell phone numbers were added to the program in 2008. Telemarketers who violate the state law face a $100 fine per call.