Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Understanding the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List
The Pennsylvania Do Not Call List is a registry managed by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) that helps residents reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. It works alongside the National Do Not Call Registry managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) but applies specifically to state-level regulations and enforcement.
When you register your phone number on the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List, most telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you within 30 days. Exceptions exist, such as charities, political campaigns, and businesses you have existing relationships with, but the list offers significant relief from daily spam calls.
You can learn more about the Pennsylvania-specific policy by visiting the official Attorney General’s Do Not Call page.
Why the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List Matters
Robocalls, scam calls, and telemarketing harassment have become an increasing privacy concern. According to data from the FTC, consumers received over 50 billion robocalls annually in the U.S., many of which were scams targeting personal and financial data.
In Pennsylvania, the Do Not Call List empowers consumers to:
- Reclaim privacy and peace of mind.
- Avoid scams and fraud attempts.
- Protect sensitive information from manipulation.
- Hold telemarketers accountable through legal penalties.
“The Pennsylvania Do Not Call List is not just a convenience — it’s a vital consumer protection tool that upholds privacy and prevents fraud.”
How to Register for the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List
Signing up for the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List is straightforward. You can register landlines, cell phones, or VOIP numbers.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Go to the Official Website
Visit the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Do Not Call page. - Select “Register My Number”
Click on the registration option. You’ll be redirected to a secure form managed by the OAG. - Provide Required Information
Fill out your name, address, and phone number. You can add up to five numbers per household. - Confirm Your Registration
You may receive a confirmation email or letter verifying that your number has been added. - Wait for 30 Days
It typically takes 30 days for your registration to take effect and for telemarketers to update their lists.
Alternative Registration Options
If you prefer not to register online, you can:
- Call the OAG hotline: 1-888-777-3406
- Mail a request:
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection Strawberry Square, 14th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17120 - Register through the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov.
What Calls Are Still Allowed
Even after registration, certain types of calls may still come through due to exemptions under Pennsylvania and federal law.
| Type of Call | Allowed? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Political Campaigns | ✅ Yes | Exempt from Do Not Call restrictions. |
| Charitable Organizations | ✅ Yes | Nonprofits are allowed to solicit donations. |
| Businesses You’ve Recently Worked With | ✅ Yes | Companies you’ve interacted with in the past 12 months can contact you. |
| Surveys and Research Calls | ✅ Yes | Non-commercial surveys are permitted. |
| Debt Collectors | ✅ Yes | Can contact for legitimate debt collection. |
While these calls are legal, consumers can still block or report harassing or deceptive calls using other tools and state complaint systems.
How to Block Telemarketers Effectively
The Do Not Call List reduces unwanted calls, but some telemarketers ignore the rules. For additional protection, follow these strategies:
1. Use Call Blocking Apps and Services
Many phone carriers provide built-in spam blocking tools:
- AT&T ActiveArmor
- Verizon Call Filter
- T-Mobile Scam Shield
You can also install third-party blocking apps that identify and stop suspicious numbers.
2. Report Violations Immediately
If a telemarketer continues to call after you’ve registered:
- File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General at this link.
- Include the phone number, company name, and date/time of the call.
- The OAG investigates violations and can impose fines up to $3,000 per call.
3. Avoid Answering Unknown Numbers
Scammers often test active numbers by auto-dialing random sequences. Not answering unknown calls prevents them from confirming your number as active.
4. Block Specific Numbers Manually
Both Android and iPhone devices let you block specific phone numbers.
Example:
iPhone → Recents → (i) → Block This Caller
Android → Call Log → ⋮ Menu → Block Number
5. Register with Both State and Federal Lists
Registering with both the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List and National Do Not Call Registry provides double protection.
Legal Enforcement and Penalties for Violators
The Pennsylvania Telemarketer Registration Act (73 P.S. § 2241-2249) enforces strict penalties for companies that call numbers on the state’s Do Not Call List.
Key Provisions:
- Violations may result in civil penalties up to $3,000 per call.
- Repeat offenders can face injunctions and further legal action.
- Consumers can submit evidence like call logs or recordings to support complaints.
The OAG collaborates with the FTC and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for cross-jurisdiction enforcement, ensuring state and federal compliance.
Practical Tips to Protect Your Privacy from Telemarketers
Even with the Do Not Call List, your personal information may be exposed through data brokers and public records. Implementing a few extra steps can safeguard your privacy further.
1. Opt Out from Data Broker Sites
Websites like Spokeo, Nuwber, and Whitepages often share personal information used by telemarketers. Request data removal from these sources to reduce exposure.
2. Use a Separate Number for Registrations
Consider using a virtual number or Google Voice account for online forms and surveys that may lead to marketing calls.
3. Be Careful with Online Subscriptions
Always read privacy policies when signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs. Opt out of marketing communications whenever possible.
4. Use Privacy Extensions and Tools
Browser privacy extensions can block trackers that collect your phone number or email for marketing.
5. Partner with Professionals
Companies like Remove Online Information specialize in helping individuals remove their personal data from public databases and marketing directories.
“The fewer places your personal information appears online, the fewer telemarketing calls you’ll receive.”
How Remove Online Information Can Help
If you’re still receiving unwanted calls after registering for the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List, chances are your data is publicly accessible through online databases.
Remove Online Information can help you:
- Identify and remove personal information from over 100 data broker websites.
- Suppress private information from search results.
- Protect your identity and contact information from unauthorized use.
Visit Remove Online Information to learn how their proven process safeguards your privacy and reduces unwanted contact.
FAQ: Pennsylvania Do Not Call List
Registration with the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List does not expire — once you’re registered, your number stays protected unless you remove it.
Yes. Both landline and mobile numbers can be registered.
Yes. You can opt out anytime using the same process on the OAG website.
Yes, registering your number is completely free of charge.
You can check your registration status through the OAG’s Do Not Call List verification tool.
The OAG investigates and can impose significant fines or injunctions against repeat offenders.
The Pennsylvania Do Not Call List is a powerful tool, but true privacy requires a proactive approach. Many telemarketers obtain contact details from online directories, leaked databases, or social media profiles.
If your phone number or address appears in public search results, consider requesting removal through data privacy services like Remove Online Information. Their expertise ensures your personal details remain off-limits to data miners and marketing agencies.
MLA Citations
- Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Do Not Call List. 2024. https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/protect-yourself/do-not-call-list/.
- Federal Trade Commission. National Do Not Call Registry. 2024. https://www.donotcall.gov/.
- Federal Communications Commission. Consumer Complaint Center. 2024. https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/.
- U.S. Code. Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. 15 U.S.C. § 6101–6108.