Types of Do Not Call Listslink to this section
Understanding the difference between these lists is critical for maintaining a compliant outbound contact center:
- The National DNC Registry: In the United States, this is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It is a database where consumers can register their landline and cell phone numbers to stop most (but not all) telemarketing calls.
- Internal (Company-Specific) DNC Lists: Even if a number is not on the National Registry, if a consumer tells a specific business "do not call me again," that business is legally required to add them to an internal list and honor that request for five years.
- State-Level DNC Lists: Several U.S. states maintain their own independent registries with specific rules that may be stricter than federal guidelines.
How the DNC List Impacts Businesseslink to this section
For any organization utilizing outbound dialing, "scrubbing" your lead lists against the National DNC Registry is a legal necessity.
- The 31-Day Rule: Businesses must synchronize their internal databases with the National Registry at least once every 31 days.
- Exemptions: The DNC list generally does not apply to political organizations, charities, survey researchers, or businesses with which the consumer has an "Established Business Relationship" (EBR) within the last 18 months.
- Prior Express Written Consent: If a consumer provides explicit consent to be called, a business may contact them even if they are on a DNC list.
The Cost of Non-Compliancelink to this section
Violating DNC regulations is a high-stakes risk for contact centers. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), penalties can be severe:
- Fines: Currently, the FTC can charge over $50,000 per violation (per call).
- Class Action Lawsuits: Non-compliance often leads to massive litigation that can damage a brand’s reputation and financial standing.
Modern Compliance with 8x8link to this section
Maintaining compliance manually is nearly impossible for high-volume outbound environments. 8x8’s Cloud Contact Center solutions integrate with DNC scrubbing tools and automated dialing filters to ensure your agents only connect with compliant leads—protecting your business from litigation while improving agent productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)link to this section
Does the Do Not Call list stop all unwanted calls?
No. It stops sales calls from legitimate telemarketers. It does not stop "scam" callers who ignore the law, nor does it block debt collectors, political calls, or non-profit organizations.
How long does a number stay on the National DNC Registry?
Once registered, a phone number stays on the list permanently unless the consumer chooses to remove it or the number is disconnected and reassigned.
What is "DNC Scrubbing"?
DNC scrubbing is the process of comparing a business’s outbound calling list against the National DNC Registry and internal lists to remove prohibited numbers before a campaign begins.
