FAQs

Following are some frequently asked questions about the Do Not Call:

• How do I register for the Indiana Do Not Call list?
• How long does the registration process take?
• Does everyone in my home have to register?
• Is there a cost to register for the list?
• Is there a deadline to register for the list?
• What happens if I move but keep my same phone number?
• If I've already registered, do I need to re-register for each quarterly list?
• What types of phone numbers can I register?
• May I register my business number?
• What is done with the information I provide for the list?
• Are some telemarketers allowed to call me even if my number is on the Do Not Call list?
• What about telephone surveys and political calls? 
• What about unwanted text messages?
• What do I do if I still get calls after my number has been added to the list? 
• What happens after I file a complaint?
• I received an email stating that all cell phone numbers will be released to the public. Is this true?  
• Can I stop SPAM e-mail?
• What is the National Do Not Call registry and how does it relate to Indiana's Do Not Call list?
• Is Caller ID a reliable indication of who is calling me?
• Is spoofing Caller ID against the law?
• What are the penalties for spoofing Caller ID?
• Do you have a question that was not answered here?

How do I register for the Indiana Do Not Call list?

You may register online anytime, or you can call 1.888.834.9969 during office hours. You will be asked to provide your home phone number, cell phone number, name, address, etc.

How long does the registration process take?

Less than five minutes.

Does everyone in my home have to register?

No. Only the person under whose name the phone number(s) is listed.

Is there a cost to register for the list?

No. This program is provided free of charge to Indiana residents. Telemarketers pay to purchase the list.

Is there a deadline to register for the list?

You can register at any time. The list is published four times per year, on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st. Numbers registered after the publication date are held until the next quarter's list.

What happens if I move but keep my same phone number?

Registrations with outdated information may be removed from the list. If you move, email us at donotcall@atg.in.gov, providing all your registered telephone numbers and your new physical address.

If I've already registered, do I need to re-register for each quarterly list?

No. Once you've registered, your phone number will be included on future lists unless you move or request that your number be removed from the list.

What types of phone numbers can I register?

You may register any residential (home), wireless, or VOIP telephone number associated with your residential address or a prepaid wireless number that is primarily used in Indiana.

May I register my business number?

The Do Not Call law does not permit business numbers to be included on the Do Not Call list.

What is done with the information I provide for the list?

Your name and address are kept confidential and used only to compile and manage the list. Each quarter, the list is updated with new phone numbers. Telemarketers purchase the list of phone numbers that they may not call.  The list contains numbers only, not names or addresses.

Are some telemarketers allowed to call me even if my number is on the Do Not Call list?

Most telemarketers are forbidden from calling or texting numbers on the Do Not Call list. There are some telephone solicitors who are exempt from this law and may continue to contact you. These include charitable organizations and newspapers (whose calls are made by volunteers or employees) and licensed insurance and real estate agents. Effective July 1, 2019, the Indiana legislature extended the exemptions to financial institutions, persons licensed by the department of financial institutions under IC 24-4.4, IC 24-4.5, or 750 IAC 9, and communications service providers that offer broadband internet service. These entities may make sales calls to you as long as they already have an existing business relationship with you. An existing business relationship includes a transaction within the past 18 months or an inquiry from you within the past three months.

What about telephone surveys and political calls?

The Do Not Call law applies to sales calls and some charitable solicitations.  Survey calls and political calls are not sales calls, therefore they fall outside the Do Not Call law.

What about unwanted text messages?

The Do Not Call law provides that a "telephone sales call" includes a text message sent to your wireless telephone number.  If your wireless telephone number is registered on the Do Not Call list, then a telemarketer may not send you solicitation by text.

What do I do if I still get calls after my number has been added to the list?

We can investigate unwanted calls if we receive a complaint. You can complete an online Do Not Call Complaint form here. You can also call 1.888.834.9969 during office hours to request a complaint form be mailed to you.

What happens after I file a complaint?

The Attorney General's staff will review your complaint and determine whether a violation occurred.  If we are able to locate the violator, we may file a lawsuit to enforce the law.  A court can assess a fine of up to $10,000 for the first violation, and up to $25,000 for each subsequent violation.  Any amounts collected by the State are used to offset the operational costs of providing the Do Not Call list.  One phone call can constitute a violation.  The State may also recover any profits made violating the law, attorney fees, and other costs associated with enforcing the law.

I received an email stating that all cell phone numbers will be released to the public. Is this true?

The email you received is an internet hoax. Cell phone numbers are not being released to the public. When you receive an email like this, just delete it.

Can I stop SPAM e-mail?

The Federal Trade Commission has resources for consumers wishing to decrease the number of SPAM emails they receive.  This information can be found here.

What is the National Do Not Call registry and how does it relate to Indiana's Do Not Call list?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) maintains a National Do Not Call registry where people can register their residential phone numbers to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. The national list does NOT provide the same amount of protection that Indiana's law provides. However, you can register your telephone numbers on both lists. For more information on the National Do Not Call Registry, visit http://www.donotcall.gov/ or call 1.888.382.1222.

Is Caller ID a reliable indication of who is calling me?

Telemarketers often hide behind fake or misleading Caller ID numbers, a practice known as "spoofing."  Even your telephone company cannot determine who originated the call if the Caller ID number is spoofed.

Is spoofing Caller ID against the law?

Both Indiana and federal law prohibit knowingly transmitting misleading or inaccurate Caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm or wrongfully obtain anything of value.

What are the penalties for spoofing Caller ID?

The Attorney General may file a lawsuit seeking penalties up to $10,000 per violation, in addition to an injunction and costs of prosecution.  In addition, a person who knowingly violates the anti-spoofing law commits a Class B misdemeanor, which is enforced through the county prosecutor's office.

Do you have a question that was not answered here?

Ask the Office of the Indiana Attorney General at donotcall@atg.in.gov.