The list is a joke because there is no provision for enforcement if somebody violates it.

>> The list is a joke because there is no provision for enforcement if somebody violates it.  <<

Incorrect.  The FTC does enforce the Do Not Call list.  Registered / legal telemarketers are fined, if the FCC / FTC receives complaints.

However, the FTC  / FCC has a very difficult time finding unregistered telespammers ... particularly if they are in a different country.

Short educational post, suitable for people with short attention spans:

The DNC list is not a magic switch attached to your phone line, that will block calls.

The DNC list is intended to help stop calls originating from legitimate telemarketers.
* Your calls were not from legitimate telemarketers.
* Therefore, the DNC list will not stop those calls.

                                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Want to learn more?
Keep reading ...

The DNC list does not automatically block calls.  Instead, it provides a list of  "do not call" phone numbers to legitimate, registered telemarketers who pay a fee for the list.

The DNC list exempts political callers, survey organizations,  charities, and companies with preexisting business relationships, as well as debt collectors, but these organizations might have their own, internal Do Not Call list (ask them).

The DNC list is not effective against criminals, spammers and scammers, because those people do not subscribe to the DNC list, and do not care if you are on or off that list.
Its purpose is to stop calls from legitimate telemarketers, and it does a pretty good job at that.  Just think ... if there were no DNC, you would be receiving incessant calls from BOTH legitimate and spamming telemarketers!

Here is your reading assignment:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0108-national-do-not-call-registry
https://www.donotcall.gov/
http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resource ... try/enforcement
http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases ... lemarketers-pay
http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases ... istry-data-book

Remember, the FCC's Do Not Call site is a good one to report unwanted calls from LEGITIMATE telemarketers.   To report spammers and scammers, visit the FTC site, at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

If you receive calls even after reporting them (and waiting a sufficient time), then you should consider using a call blocker app, device or service as your first line of defense.  Google "call blocker" to see such things at Amazon or other sites.

√

The caller ID says "SSI" and it's a place called Simpson - Scarborough doing some kind of survey. I wish these people would have to tell you where they bought your number if you ask them, you know, Amazon, Home Depot, whoever. What a nice thing it would be to stop doing business with the people who share my number.

More info:

http://simpsonscarborough.com/

Elizabeth Scarborough, CEO and Partner
T. 703.403.0547
F. 571.482.3840
E. ES@SimpsonScarborough.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jeffrey Papa, Ph.D., President and Partner
T. 804.240.6478
F. 804.739.8742
E. JP@SimpsonScarborough.com
----------------------------------------------------------

I'm always glad to share peoples information with my "partners"...

They don't have to buy numbers from anyone. All they have to do is plumb numbers into a computer or robo dialing machine. However, google your name and number, any place such as spokeo that shows up, make them remove it.  

Do consider getting a call blocking device or phone.. You can google them and many are around $50.00 or so.If its a cell phone, some already have call blocking, if not, there are free apps on the web that will work for some. You can google this. If you have a smart phone, there is a free app called call control. Iphones appear to have apps also. Another one is called Mr. Number.