Charities and the ‘Do Not Call’ List: Are They Exempt?

Are charities really exempt from the 'do not call' list? This question is often asked by individuals who have opted out of receiving unsolicited calls but are still receiving calls from various organizations claiming to want to make a difference. In this article, we will delve into the regulations surrounding telephone solicitation for charities and explain which organizations are considered exempt and which are not.

Overview of 'Do Not Call' Lists

The 'do not call' list is a program designed to protect consumers from receiving unwanted telemarketing calls. It is managed by the National Do Not Call Registry, a governmental service run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. The purpose of this registry is to help prevent telemarketers from calling individuals who have opted out of receiving such calls.

Exemption of Charities

Charities are indeed exempt from the 'do not call' list regulations. This exemption applies to non-profit organizations that use telephone calls for traditional charitable solicitation. However, there are certain conditions and rules that must be followed:

Types of Callers Affected by the Exemption

Charities, insurance companies, and banks are among the organizations that are exempt from the 'do not call' list. Specifically, these organizations can still contact you even if you are on the list, provided that:

You had a previous business relationship with the organization, such as having purchased a product or service from them in the past. The call is related to a legitimate request for a donation, rather than unsolicited sales. The organization complies with the rules and regulations set by the Federal Trade Commission.

Calling Hours and Expectations

While charities are exempt from 'do not call' list regulations, they must still adhere to certain calling hours. They are not allowed to call before 9 AM or after 9 PM local time. This helps ensure that calls do not disrupt individuals during their personal time.

Conditions of Opting Out

If you have previously donated to a charity or have a business relationship with an organization, you can still opt out of receiving future calls. However, it is important to note that:

Non-profit organizations can continue to contact you or send information by mail until you specifically request them to stop. If you tell them to remove you from their call list, they must comply with this request. To ensure that your request is processed, it is advisable to contact the organization directly or through the 'do not call' registry.

Additional Considerations

It is important to understand that the exemption of charities from the 'do not call' list is not an open invitation for unsolicited telemarketing. Here are a few additional points to consider:

Charities may use alternative methods, such as email and mail, to communicate with donors and potential donors. If the call is not related to a legitimate request for a donation and is instead a sales call, the organization could be violating other regulations. Consumers are protected by various state and federal laws, which can provide additional enforcement and recourse if telemarketers are found to be in violation.

Conclusion

Charities enjoy exemption from the 'do not call' list regulations, but this does not mean that they can make unsolicited calls at any time. They must respect the consumer's time and must adhere to certain conditions and calling hours. If you find yourself receiving calls from organizations on the 'do not call' list that should be exempt, it is important to communicate your wishes clearly and seek recourse if necessary.