The National Do Not Call Registry provides an opportunity for you to submit your telephone number and ask telemarketers not to contact you. Recently, telemarketers have accessed cell phone numbers, so now is the time to get your cell phone, and your land line if needed, registered.
To register, call (888) 382-1222 from the phone you want to register. Or go online to www.donotcall.gov. It can take up to 72 hours for your registration to take effect.
Telemarketers then have 31 days to take you off their lists. You will be on the do not call list for five years. When that time is up or if you change phone numbers, you will need to register again.
Privacy notices
Privacy notices are sent once a year from banks, credit card companies, utilities, insurance and security firms, some retailers, and auto dealers. These notices tell you about the privacy policy, safeguards, and the right to opt out. If you do not respond to privacy notices, your name can be sold. The notices are long and hard to understand, which makes many people not read them.
The notices tell customers what information about them will be shared with other companies. When you opt out, your personal information is not shared. This stays in effect for one year. After that time, the company will send you another letter with the opportunity to opt out. If you do not wish to have your information shared, you will have to opt out every year.
For more resource management information, visit your local Extension office or the ISU Extension to Families Web site at www.extension.iastate.edu/families/.