DNC Violations
& Protecting Your Privacy
The Do-Not-Call (DNC) Registry was created to give consumers control over their privacy and stop unwanted telemarketing. Yet many companies ignore the law and keep calling anyway. Under the TCPA, consumers may recover $500 to $1,500 for each illegal call placed to a number on the DNC list. If you’ve registered your phone but continue to receive marketing calls, you may have a strong claim. At Wells Law – Chicago, we provide a free case review to help you enforce your rights and take action against businesses that disregard your privacy with DNC violations.
Internal Do-Not-Call Lists
vs. the National DNC Registry
When it comes to DNC violations and stopping unwanted calls, there are two important layers of protection:
1. National Do-Not-Call Registry
The National Do-Not-Call (DNC) Registry, maintained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), allows consumers to register their phone numbers to opt out of most telemarketing calls. Once you’ve been on the list for 31 days, telemarketers are prohibited from calling you unless there’s a specific exception (such as an existing business relationship).
DNC violations can result in TCPA damages of $500 to $1,500 per call.
You can register your number(s) or make sure you're registered here.
2. Internal Do-Not-Call (IDNC) Lists
In addition to the national registry, each company is required to maintain its own internal Do-Not-Call list. If you tell a telemarketer to stop calling, they must honor that request and add you to their internal list. Calls from the business that continue after such a request are illegal, even if your number is not on the National DNC Registry.
Why Both Protections Matter
Together, the National Registry and company-specific IDNC lists provide powerful consumer protections. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to comply, subjecting consumers to repeated unwanted calls and DNC violations. That’s where Wells Law – Chicago steps in—to hold violators accountable and enforce your rights under the TCPA.
