New York State is ramping up efforts to combat unwanted telemarketing calls, urging residents to take action by registering their phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry and filing complaints against violators.
New Protections Under the Seinfeld Law
As of January 1, 2025, the newly enacted Seinfeld Law—named after the hit comedy series—strengthens consumer protections against telemarketing calls. Under this law, telemarketers must:
- Identify themselves within the first 30 seconds of a call.
- State their name, the company they represent, and the purpose of the call.
- Offer recipients the option to be added to the company’s internal Do Not Call list.
- Disclose if the call is being recorded.
How to Stop Unwanted Calls
New Yorkers can take the following steps to reduce and report unsolicited calls:
Register Your Number – Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov or call 888-382-1222 from the number you want to register.
Report Violations – If you receive a telemarketing call more than 31 days after registering, file a complaint online or call 888-382-1222.
Beware of Scams – Hang up immediately if a caller pressures you for personal information or offers deals that sound too good to be true. Avoid pressing buttons, even to request removal, as it may signal an active number to scammers.
Cracking Down on Violators
In 2024 alone, New Yorkers filed over 109,000 telemarketing complaints. The Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection enforces telemarketing laws and can fine violators up to $20,000 per offense. Filing complaints helps track down offenders and take legal action against them.
Certain calls are not restricted by the Do Not Call Registry, including:
- Political organizations
- Charities
- Telephone surveys
- Businesses with which you have an existing relationship (unless you request otherwise)
New York officials encourage all consumers to be proactive in protecting their privacy. “Every consumer should take the time to put their phone number on the Do Not Call Registry and report any instance of an unwanted telemarketing call,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “These efforts will help us track down bad actors and take legal action against them.”
By taking these steps, residents can help curb unwanted telemarketing calls and hold violators accountable.
