Organizations Exempt from the Federal Do Not Call Registry
When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, did he foresee that one day it would be the tool de jour of telemarketers and other general phone pests? Whether its estimates on local roofing services or a "great" new satellite television service, it seems as if the pesky telemarketing calls never seem to end. What is a savvy phone user to do? Add your number to the Federal "Do Not Call" Registry, of course.
Unfortunately, members of the Do-Not-Call list may still find that they occasionally receive calls, ones that seem to be general telemarketing or sales calls. It is important to understand that there are some situations where it is completely legal to solicit you via phone, whether you are a member of the Do-Not-Call Registry or not. To prevent you from an unwarranted outburst the next time you are interrupted during dinner hour, let us review some of the organizations and companies that are exempt from the Federal Do-Not-Call Registry limitations.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations are exempt from the Federal Do-Not-Call Registry. Of course, it is highly unlikely that anyone would get angry if the Boy Scouts of America called while trying to raise money for their next adventure or outing. However, some organizations that are seemingly for profit are actually classified as non-profit organizations. For example, opera, ballet, and theatre companies are almost always classified as non-profit organizations. It does not matter if they recently underwent a $500,000 renovation and have a slew of famous guest performers scheduled for that season. The average arts organization only makes 35% of its revenue from ticket sales, and the rest depends highly on the good hearted generosity of its donors.
However, there is more to the exclusion. Since the formal exemption clause does not specify any limitations on what the non-profit can ask for when they call you, these arts organizations have complete and total freedom to call absolutely anyone and solicit ticket packages. Might we suggest the Thursday night series in the Upper Mezzanine?
Written Permission to Call
Of course, you would never give a telemarketer your phone number, right? That would be like giving a burglar your address and spare key. Unfortunately, most people give their phone number away absent mindedly all the time, whether they realize it or not. When you subscribe to a magazine or newspaper, you are frequently asked for your phone number. Do not assume it is simply for demographic purposes - it is so they can solicit you to extend your subscription. Indeed, it is important to understand that your Do-Not-Call status is rendered null and void if you voluntarily give a company your phone number.
As you can see, there are a few exceptions to the rule when it comes to the Federal Do-Not-Call Registry. Unfortunately, the law is on the side of these organizations or companies in these scenarios. The best option is to simply request to be taken off the specific company or non-profit's call list. By law, they are obligated to fulfill your request.