Do Not Call List

If dinnertime telemarketing calls driveyou crazy, you can do something aboutthem. The federal government's nationwidedo-not-call list finally went intoeffect on October 1, after its proponentsovercame a flurry of legal challenges.According to a recent online poll conductedby AOL, a large majority of theconsumers who have signed up arealready getting far fewer calls, possiblybecause telemarketers who violate thedo-not-call list can get whacked withfines of up to $11,000 a call. If youhaven't yet registered your phone number,you still can, either by calling 888-382-1222 or going to www.donotcall.gov. Your number will stay on the list for5 years, but you can remove it from thelist at any time if you change your mind.For more information on the list, go towww.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/dncalrt.htm.