Do Not Call List Massachusetts: How to Register, Block Telemarketers, and Report Unwanted Calls

The Do Not Call List Massachusetts program was established to give residents control over telemarketing activities and safeguard personal privacy. Managed in coordination with the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the list prohibits businesses from making unsolicited sales calls to registered numbers.

Once your number is added, most telemarketers must stop contacting you, except for certain exempt organizations such as charities, political campaigns, and businesses you have ongoing relationships with.

“Massachusetts law protects your right to privacy — and registering for the Do Not Call List is your first defense against intrusive marketing calls.”

Why the Do Not Call List Matters in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents experience thousands of unwanted calls daily. From spam robocalls to aggressive sales tactics, these interruptions are not only frustrating but can also pose risks like phishing scams and identity theft.

Here’s why signing up for the Do Not Call List is essential:

Reduces phone harassment by telemarketers.
Prevents fraud attempts by limiting contact from unknown numbers.
Protects personal data privacy.
Saves time and stress from constant interruptions.
Supports law enforcement efforts to track and penalize noncompliant companies.

The Massachusetts Do Not Call List complements the National Do Not Call Registry run by the FTC, strengthening consumer protection across both federal and state levels.

How to Register for the Do Not Call List in Massachusetts

Enrolling your phone number is simple and free. Follow these steps to register successfully:

Step 1: Visit the National Do Not Call Registry

Head to https://www.donotcall.gov. This platform, managed by the FTC, automatically includes your number in both federal and participating state lists, including Massachusetts.

Step 2: Choose Registration Option

You can register:

Online via the official site.
By phone: Call 1-888-382-1222 (must call from the phone you wish to register).

Step 3: Verify Registration

After registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email or automated voice message. Once verified, your number remains active indefinitely — no renewal required.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Telemarketers are required to update their call lists within 31 days after registration. During this time, calls should gradually decrease.

What Calls Are Still Allowed in Massachusetts

Even after registering, some calls remain permissible under law. These include:

Political organizations contacting voters.
Charitable entities seeking donations.
Survey companies conducting non-commercial research.
Businesses with prior relationships, such as your bank or utility provider.
Debt collectors and legal notices.

If any of these organizations misuse the exemption to sell products or services, you can file a complaint.

How to Report Violations on the Massachusetts Do Not Call List

If telemarketers continue contacting you after the 31-day grace period, report the violation immediately.

Step 1: Document the Call

Record the following details:

Caller’s name or company
Phone number displayed
Date and time of call
Description of what was said

Step 2: File a Complaint

You can file complaints in two places:

Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office – Visit https://www.mass.gov/ago.
FTC Complaint Assistant – Submit online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Step 3: Keep Records

Maintain your complaint confirmation and any evidence for future follow-up or enforcement actions.

“Reporting illegal calls doesn’t just help you — it protects your neighbors and community from harassment and fraud.”

Massachusetts Do Not Call Law Explained

The Massachusetts General Law Chapter 93, Section 108, enforces strict penalties for telemarketers who violate consumer privacy.

Violations may result in:

Fines up to $10,000 per call.
Revocation of telemarketing licenses.
Legal actions from the state Attorney General’s office.

The law applies to both in-state and out-of-state companies targeting Massachusetts residents.

How to Block Telemarketers Beyond the Do Not Call List

While registration is effective, some scammers bypass the law using spoofed or international numbers. Use these additional methods to strengthen your privacy:

1. Use Call-Blocking Apps

Install verified call-blocking tools compatible with your carrier. Examples include:

Hiya
Truecaller
Nomorobo

These apps use crowdsourced databases to automatically detect and block spam calls.

2. Enable Carrier-Level Protection

Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer free spam filters. Visit your provider’s settings page or call customer service to activate.

3. Report Robocalls

If you receive prerecorded or automated messages, they may violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). File a complaint directly with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.

4. Use Manual Blocking

For persistent callers:

On iPhone: Tap the “i” next to the number → Block this Caller.
On Android: Long-press the number → Block/report spam.

Avoiding Common Scams Posing as Telemarketing Calls

Scammers often pretend to represent banks, government agencies, or utility companies. Be cautious of:

Calls claiming “urgent account issues.”
Offers requiring upfront payments.
Threats of legal action or arrest.
Requests for Social Security or banking information.

Tip: Government agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone.

If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately and verify with the official organization before responding.

Massachusetts Residents and Federal Do Not Call Coordination

When you register in Massachusetts, your number is automatically included in the federal Do Not Call Registry, ensuring nationwide protection.

However, Massachusetts enforces additional consumer rights through state laws that exceed federal standards, offering a stronger layer of privacy protection.

The OCABR works with both the FTC and FCC to investigate local violations, ensuring residents experience the lowest possible telemarketing intrusion.

How Businesses Are Required to Comply

Telemarketers must follow strict operational rules under the Massachusetts Telemarketing Solicitation Law, including:

Identifying their name and company at the start of the call.
Providing a callback number upon request.
Immediately ending calls when asked.
Updating call lists every 31 days to remove registered numbers.

Failing to meet these obligations can lead to legal penalties or class action suits.

Why You Might Still Receive Unwanted Calls

There are legitimate reasons why some calls persist even after opting out:

Cause	Explanation
Data lag	Lists may take time to update (up to 31 days).
Caller ID spoofing	Scammers use fake numbers to bypass blocking.
Political and charity exemptions	Some calls remain legally permitted.
Out-of-country spam	Not subject to U.S. Do Not Call regulations.

To minimize these, combine registration with technical call-blocking measures.

Protecting Your Phone Privacy Long-Term

1. Use Secondary Numbers for Online Sign-Ups

Avoid giving out your personal number for contests or free trials.

2. Limit Public Exposure

Refrain from posting phone numbers on social media, forums, or classified websites like Craigslist.

3. Regularly Review Privacy Settings

Check your phone and carrier settings for privacy permissions and disable unnecessary data sharing.

4. Leverage Professional Privacy Services

Platforms like Remove Online Information specialize in removing personal contact details from data brokers, search engines, and public directories, reducing exposure to telemarketers.

How Remove Online Information Can Help

Even after joining the Do Not Call List, your phone number may still be circulating across data brokers and marketing databases.

Remove Online Information helps you:

Erase your phone number from online data sources.
Suppress personal information from search results.
Monitor privacy breaches to ensure long-term protection.
Reduce spam calls and online exposure.

📞 Take back your privacy today!
Visit Remove Online Information to learn how to permanently remove your phone number and secure your personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I check if my number is on the Do Not Call List?

Visit https://www.donotcall.gov and click “Verify Your Registration.” Enter your phone number and email for confirmation.

Does the Do Not Call List apply to cell phones?

Yes. Both landlines and mobile phones can be registered for protection.

How long does it take to stop receiving calls after registration?

Most telemarketers stop calling within 31 days after your number is listed.

Can I remove my number from the list later?

Yes. You can re-register or remove your number by revisiting the Do Not Call Registry website.

Does registration stop text message spam?

Not directly. However, reporting SMS spam to your carrier using 7726 (SPAM) helps block future messages.

Can businesses call me if I’ve interacted with them before?

Yes, if you have an existing relationship or recent transaction within the last 18 months.

Does the Do Not Call List cost anything?

No. Registration is completely free for Massachusetts residents.

Works Cited (MLA Format)

Federal Trade Commission. “The National Do Not Call Registry.” FTC.gov, 2024, https://www.donotcall.gov.
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “Do Not Call Program.” Mass.gov, 2024, https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-consumer-affairs-and-business-regulation.
Federal Communications Commission. “Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts.” FCC.gov, 2024, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts.
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 93, Section 108. “Telemarketing Solicitation Regulations.” Massachusetts Legislature, 2024.