There is now a national list for people who do not wish to receive telemarketing calls on their telephone. It's expected that at least 60 million telephone numbers will eventually be on the registry, which can be found at http://www.donotcall.gov. On the website, consumers can provide the numbers they want protected and need to include an e-mail address to receive a confirmation message. The site also lets them verify that a number is registered or remove a number.

When you register online they will send you an email to which you need to respond in order to activate the service. If you use BlitzMail you can hold down the Apple key and click on the link (if you use a Mac) or hold down the control key and click on the link (for Windows). This will open your web browser to the page that activates the service for your number. You can also just cut and paste the link address into the address bar of your web browser and press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard.
You can also register by phone by calling 888 382-1222. If you call the toll-free number you must call from the telephone number you want registered.

People who sign up this summer should see a decrease in telemarketing calls after the Federal Trade Commission begins enforcing the list on October 1st. The service will block about 80% of the calls, the FTC said. Some types of calls will still be allowed; visit the Do Not Call website for more information.

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