MADISON – February 28 is the next deadline to register for Wisconsin’s No Call List, which is a free service offered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

“Consumers who sign up on or before February 28, will be part of the state’s No Call List which takes effect April 1,” said Michelle Reinen, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Registration can be done 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling a toll-free number (1-866-966-2255) or online (nocall.wisconsin.gov).”

Currently, more than 2.28 million landline and cell phone numbers are included on the Wisconsin’s No Call List. That is the highest count since the program began in 2003. During the final registration period of 2010, more than half of the numbers registered were cell numbers – a first for the program.

“We continue to educate consumers about the cell phone provision which became part of No Call in 2008,” added Reinen. “Many households are giving up traditional landline services for the convenience-factors cell phones provide.”  

The No Call List will reduce, but not completely eliminate, unwanted phone calls. Unsolicited calls from charities, poll and survey takers, or on behalf of political campaigns are examples of exemptions.

Consumers must register every two years to stay on the list. It is updated four times a year (January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1). The registration deadlines are always one month prior to the quarterly updates.

“We want consumers to understand they can sign up at anytime during the year,” Reinen concluded. “If they miss a registration deadline, their numbers will become part of the next list update.”

Once again, registration can be done online at nocall.wisconsin.gov or by calling 1-866-9No-Call, which is 1-866-966-2255. 

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