FTC set to tackle Do Not Call violations

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Federal Trade Commission officials said Wednesday it is targeting violators of the National Do Not Call Registry.

FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras said in a news release that by cracking down on DNC violations, the commission would ensure the privacy of those on the registry and punish those who violate its provisions.

"Consumers have made clear that they greatly value the Do Not Call Registry, and they must be able to depend on its privacy protection," Majoras said. "By bringing enforcement actions, like those announced today, we will ensure that the small number of bad actors pay a price for not adhering to the law and respecting consumers’ privacy requests."

More than 145 million numbers are listed on the registry, which is supposed to prevent unwanted solicitations from telemarketers.

To date, FTC officials have filed 34 cases and levied almost $7.7 million in civil penalties in six settlements against DNC violators.