Deadline to renew or sign up for 'No Call' list is Aug. 31, Vos reminds

Have you been getting that annoying telemarketing phone call asking if you want car insurance? You can try to fight back by renewing or signing up for the state's 'No Call' phone number list. The next deadline to join is Aug. 31, according to a reminder state Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, sent out this week.

To register for the list, call 1-866-9NO-CALL (1-866-966-2255) and sign up your cell phone and/or landline number. You can also sign up online at https://nocall.wisconsin.gov/web/home.asp.

Are you wondering why you need to re-register for the list every two years? Vos explains it in his e-newsletter:

If you are current subscriber to the No Call list, please also remember that you must re-register every two years or you will be removed from the list. I have received inquiries from constituents wondering why they have sign up every two years when their subscription to the federal No Call list lasts forever. The reason is largely fiscal.

Because there is almost 25% turnover in phone numbers every two years, the federal government undertakes a very expensive process known as "scrubbing" their list to most accurately reflect who is at what number. If, after two years, the person who signed up for the list is no longer attributed to that number, they are removed.

At the state level, we don't allocate money to allow the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to "scrub" the list, so they must require that everyone re-register. It's much cheaper for the taxpayers and allows the list to stay up and running. If the updating weren't done, the state would be in danger of a court challenge for unduly and improperly interfering with the business of telemarketing.

If you find that you are receiving telemarketing calls even though you are on the list, you can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.datcp.state.wi.us; via email at DATCPHotline@WI.gov; or by phone at 1-800-422-7128.

If you're on the list, you should not receive any telemarketing calls. If you do, filing a complaint can help the state shutdown businesses that are violating the law.