How New York's Do Not Call protections work
New York residents have legal options for limiting unwanted telephone sales calls. One important protection is the National Do Not Call Registry, which also serves as New York's statewide registry.
The registry allows consumers to register eligible personal telephone numbers to reduce unsolicited telemarketing communications.
Under New York General Business Law Section 399-z, telemarketers generally cannot place unsolicited sales calls to registered numbers once those numbers have appeared on the registry for at least 31 days.
Registration does not eliminate every lawful marketing communication. Certain calls may remain permitted based on consent, existing business relationships, or other applicable exemptions.
Why registration matters
Registering a telephone number creates a useful record of a consumer's preference not to receive unsolicited sales calls.
Businesses conducting covered telemarketing campaigns must account for registered numbers when determining whom they may contact.
Consumers can register through the official registry at donotcall.gov.
Registration is free and generally does not expire.
However, registration alone does not establish that every later call violates the law. The identity of the caller, reason for the call, and relevant exemptions remain important.
Fast facts about New York telemarketing restrictions
New York's law includes protections beyond registry enrollment.
Covered telemarketing calls generally must occur between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the consumer's location unless the consumer has agreed to another time.
Callers must provide required identification and other disclosures at the beginning of the call, no later than 30 seconds after it starts.
Consumers also have the right to request placement on a seller's internal Do Not Call list.
For covered live telemarketing calls, the caller must end the communication when the consumer makes that request and add the number to the appropriate list.
These requirements help consumers exercise greater control over commercial telephone communications.
What happens when telemarketers ignore the registry?
A consumer receiving unwanted sales calls after registration should document the communications.
Useful information includes the caller's telephone number, company name, date, time, and advertised product or service.
Consumers can submit complaints to government agencies responsible for telemarketing enforcement.
Under Section 399-z, the New York Department of State can assess administrative penalties following the required proceedings.
Consumers should understand that the state's administrative enforcement process differs from a private lawsuit.
A violation of Section 399-z does not itself provide a private right to sue under that section. Separate state or federal laws may provide remedies when their requirements are satisfied.
Common questions around the New York Do Not Call Registry
How long does registration take to become effective?
The New York prohibition generally applies after a number has remained on the national registry for 31 days.
Does the registry cover mobile phones?
Yes. Eligible personal mobile and residential telephone numbers can be registered.
Can a business call someone who previously purchased its products?
Some calls involving established business relationships may be permitted, subject to applicable limits and opt-out requests.
