Telemarketing Rules
If you engage in telephone solicitation, it is your
responsibility as an independent agent to know and comply with all applicable federal and state laws
regarding telemarketing.
If you use an outside source for sales leads, you must be sure that the
lead source is fully compliant with federal and state regulations.
Federal Regulations
In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) issued the Telemarketing Sales Rule and established the National Do-Not-Call
Registry.
Telemarketers and sellers are required to search the National Do-Not-Call Registry at
least once every 31 days and "scrub" their call lists by deleting the numbers of consumers who have
registered. The first five area codes are free. There is an annual fee for each additional area code.
Link to Do-Not-Call Registry
For your convenience, here is the link to the National Do-Not-Call Registry Site.
State Regulations
In addition to the federal rules, many states also have their own laws regarding telemarketing. Be aware that exemptions and restrictions vary among the federal and state rules. Those involved in telemarketing must comply with the applicable laws of the state they are calling from, as well as the state they are calling to. For information about a particular state's laws, contact the state attorney general's office or state consumer protection agency.