National Do-Not-Call registry starts month early

Consumers wanting to opt out of telemarketing calls can now list their numbers on a national Do-Not-Call (DNC) registry, a month ahead of its official launch on Jan 2.

Those who register from now till July 2, 2014 may still receive telemarketing messages for up to 60 days after registration. Consumers who register after 2 July 2014 may still receive telemarketing messages for up to 30 days.

This initial 60-day and subsequent 30-day timeframe is to give organisations time to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the DNC registry.

While registrations with the DNC Registry do not expire, consumers can deregister at any time. Terminated numbers will also be removed from the Registry.

They may register at www.dnc.gov.sg, or by sending "DNC" to 78772 to block calls, text messages and fax messages; "DNC" to 78773 to block calls only; "DNC" to 78774 to block text messages only.

They may also register by phone at 1800-248-0772 to block calls, text messages and fax messages; call 1800-248-0773 to block calls only or 1800-248-0774 to block text messages only.

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