Attorney General's News Release

July 30, 2001

Second chance for No Call; Sign-up deadline is Aug. 1

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missourians who have not yet signed up for Attorney General Jay Nixon's No Call list have until Aug. 1 to register their home telephone numbers to be included on the next enforcement list, which goes into effect Oct. 1. Consumers may register for free online or by calling toll-free 1-866 NO CALL 1 (1-866-662-2551).

Those who register by Aug. 1 will be joining more than 1.5 million Missourians already enjoying protection from telemarketers under the state's new No Call law. The 627,000 phone lines already signed up will continue to be covered under the law and do not need to take any further action. Telemarketers covered by the law must refrain from calling any number on the new list starting Oct 1.

Nearly 5,500 Missourians signed up in one day last week following Nixon's announcement that the state is suing TV psychic Miss Cleo for violating Missouri's No Call and consumer protection laws. "The number of sign-ups more than doubled that day," Nixon said. "The more people know about the law and the aggressive enforcement actions we are taking, the more people want to be a part of the No Call Team."

Last week Nixon obtained temporary restraining orders preventing Miss Cleo's psychic hot line from further violating Missouri's No Call and consumer protection laws.

Since enforcement of the No Call law began July 1 three telemarketers have been taken to court for calling Missourians on the No Call list and five other telemarketers have agreed to pay penalties totaling $35,000 and to refrain from calling those on the list.

Those already on the No Call list may file complaints about telemarketing calls by downloading a complaint form or by calling the toll-free number.

Telemarketers can obtain information on how to get a copy of the database containing the telephone numbers on the No Call list. The cost of the database is $25 and is updated four times a year.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818