Spam calls are more than just annoying. They waste your time, interrupt your day, and in some cases, even try to scam you out of money. If you're wondering how to stop them—or at least slow them down—the National Do Not Call Registry is a solid first step.

It’s free, takes less than a minute to sign up, and can help cut down on telemarketing calls from legitimate companies. Here’s what you need to know—and what to expect—before you add your number.

What Is the Do Not Call Registry?

The Do Not Call Registry is a national database managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). When you put your number on the list, you’re telling legal telemarketers: don’t call me.

It’s meant to stop unwanted sales calls from companies you haven’t interacted with. That includes:

• Credit card offers
• Home security system pitches
• Timeshare sales
• Energy provider promos

In short: if a business is calling to try and sell you something—and you haven’t given them permission—they’re supposed to leave you alone once your number is on the list.

What Types of Calls Are Not Blocked?

The registry doesn’t block everything. Even after signing up, you may still get:

• Political calls
• Charity calls
• Debt collection calls
• Survey calls
• Companies you’ve previously done business with

Most importantly, scammers and illegal robocallers don’t follow the rules. So while the registry filters out legitimate telemarketers, it won’t stop shady operations using spoofed numbers or fake caller IDs.

That’s why the registry is helpful—but not a complete fix.

How to Sign Up (Takes Less Than a Minute)

Here’s how to add your number to the registry:

1. Go to www.donotcall.gov
2. Click “Register Your Phone”
3. Enter your phone number and email address
4. Check your email and click the confirmation link

Your number will be added permanently—you don’t have to renew it. Just note that it can take up to 31 days for calls to start slowing down.

What If You’re Still Getting Spam Calls?

If your number is already on the list but you're still getting sales calls, here are three things you should do:

1. Report It

Go back to www.donotcall.gov and file a complaint. The FTC uses your report to track and shut down companies that break the rules.

2. Use a Call-Blocking App

Apps like Hiya, Robokiller, and Nomorobo filter out known spam numbers. Most carriers also offer built-in protection—some free, some paid.

3. Enable Spam Filters from Your Carrier

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer scam call filtering tools. Turn those on in your account settings or app.

Check or Recheck Your Registration

If you're not sure whether your number is on the list—or you've changed phones recently—you can check at donotcall.gov. Just click “Verify a Registration” and follow the prompts.

Why It’s Still Worth It

Let’s be real—no tool will stop every unwanted call. But the Do Not Call Registry gives you one important advantage: clarity.

Once you're on the list, you’ll know that any sales call you do get is probably breaking the law. That makes it easier to ignore, report, or block the number without second-guessing.

Final Thoughts

The Do Not Call Registry isn’t perfect, but it’s a smart step in the right direction. It filters out honest telemarketers and gives you a way to push back against the noise.

So if you're tired of dodging sales pitches during dinner, take 60 seconds today to sign up. It's quick, it's free, and it's one less thing to worry about.