Who is not covered by national do not call registry
The National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry is designed to help U.S. residents avoid unwanted telemarketing calls. However, not all callers are restricted by this law. Some organizations and situations are legally exempt, meaning they can still contact you even if your number is registered. Understanding who is not covered can help you better manage incoming calls and protect your privacy.
1. Political Organizations
Political calls are exempt from the Do Not Call rules.
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Candidates, political parties, and advocacy groups can call to solicit support or donations.
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These calls are legal even if your number is on the DNC list.
OnePlus Tip: You can still politely ask these callers not to call you again, and most organizations will honor your request.
2. Charities and Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations, including charities, are allowed to call:
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Donation requests or fundraising campaigns.
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Volunteer or membership inquiries.
OnePlus Tip: Consider using a dedicated phone number for charitable calls to keep your main line private.
3. Survey and Research Companies
Companies conducting surveys or market research are not blocked by the DNC:
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They call to gather opinions, feedback, or market data.
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These calls are not considered telemarketing since no product or service is being sold.
OnePlus Tip: You can hang up if you’re not interested; these calls are usually harmless.
4. Companies With Existing Business Relationships
Businesses you have an active relationship with can legally call you:
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Recent purchases: within the last 18 months.
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Recent inquiries: within the last 3 months.
These calls may include promotions, product updates, or service reminders.
OnePlus Tip: If you don’t want further calls, ask the company to place you on their internal do-not-call list.
5. Debt Collectors
Debt collection calls are generally exempt from the DNC:
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Calls regarding debts you already owe.
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Notifications about overdue payments or account status.
OnePlus Tip: While these calls are legal, you can request specific time windows or modes of communication to minimize disruption.
6. Other Legal Exceptions
Some additional calls may be exempt:
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Appointment reminders or service notifications.
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Certain informational calls from your financial institution or healthcare provider.
These calls are considered service-related rather than telemarketing.
How to Manage Exempt Calls
Even if a call is legally exempt:
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Ask to be removed: Most organizations are required to honor a request to stop calling.
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Use iPhone or carrier tools:
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iPhone: Go to Phone → Recents → Tap (i) → Block this Caller.
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Carrier apps: Use AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, or T-Mobile Scam Shield.
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Report persistent calls: File a complaint with the FTC at donotcall.gov.
Related OnePlus Guides
FAQ
1. Can political or charity calls be blocked?
Yes, you can request they stop calling you, though they are legally allowed to contact you initially.
2. Are debt collection calls considered telemarketing?
No — they are exempt because they are related to an existing obligation.
3. Can my carrier help block exempt calls?
Some carriers allow blocking numbers or silencing unknown callers, but legal exemptions may still apply.
Final Thoughts
The National Do Not Call Registry greatly reduces unwanted telemarketing, but some calls are legally allowed even for registered numbers. By understanding who is not covered, using built-in iPhone and carrier tools, and reporting persistent calls, U.S. residents can maintain better control over their phone privacy. OnePlus recommends a combination of registry registration and personal call-blocking strategies for maximum protection.
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