WPNCR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. April 9, 2004: There is nothing more annoying than receiving calls from telemarketers, especially after signing up for the “Do Not Call” registry. To combat this problem, I supported new legislation which more than doubles the fines for violating the “Do Not Call” law from $5,000 to $11,000 (A.10145). This bill will help protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls.
This legislation would send a message loud and clear that families do not want their homes invaded by calls from telemarketers. When someone has made the effort to place their number on the “Do Not Call” registry, they deserve reasonable assurances that they will not be called.
Since the creation of the state registry in 2001, over 3 million households across the state have signed up, and an estimated half-billion unwanted calls have been blocked from New York homes. Last year, New York became one of 15 states to merge the state’s registry with the federal registry – a move that saved taxpayers over $1 million in operating costs. The “Do Not Call” registry is available to personal numbers including cell phones, but not business numbers. Registration lasts five years.
“Do Not Call” means do not call. Creating stiffer penalties for violating New York’s law will better protect our families. Having a telephone line should not be an invitation for endless annoying calls from telemarketers. New York has been a leader in preventing this kind of harassment, and this bill gives some teeth to the protective measures we’ve put in place.
To report a violation, call the New York State Consumer Protection Board at 1-800-697-1220 or visit www.consumer.state.ny.us.
