FTC’s 2023 DNC Data Book Reports Decline in Robocalls

Table of Contents

1. What is the DNC - Do Not Call (DNC) Registry
2. Data on DNC Registrations and Complaints for Fiscal Year 2023
3. State-Specific Data on DNC Registrations and Complaints
4. FAQ

Effective communication is an essential key to business success, which makes the persistent issue of scam robocalls a serious problem for consumers and businesses alike. Fortunately, according to the 2023 National DNC Data book released by the Federal Trade Commission, consumer complaints about unwanted robocalls are on the decline.

This most recent release is the fifteenth edition of the annual data book. As with previous editions, it offers a comprehensive overview of DNC-related complaints over the course of FY 2023 and includes an exhaustive state-by-state breakdown of the various calls that continue to trouble consumers.

What is the DNC - Do Not Call (DNC) Registry

Since 2003, Americans have been able to opt out of receiving most telemarketing calls by placing their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry, and millions of them have done so. In fact, the DNC Registry has been instrumental in stemming the tide of illegal calls by empowering consumers with the knowledge that an unsolicited marketing call placed to a DNC-listed number is illegal, as well as providing clear guidelines for companies engaged in telemarketing, namely that any cold call lists must be scrubbed against the National DNC at least once every thirty days, and that they must secure valid consent before placing a call to a DNC-listed number. There are certain exceptions, for example, calls are permitted to consumers with whom the caller has an Established Business Relationship (EBR).

Data on DNC Registrations and Complaints for Fiscal Year 2023

According to the latest edition of the National DNC Data book, the DNC registry received an influx of over 2.6 million new registrations in FY 2023, culminating in an active total exceeding 249 million phone numbers, as opposed to 246.8 million registered at the close of the 2022 fiscal year.

In addition, consumer complaints to the FTC in FY 2023 declined by over 900,000 from the previous year. Notably, there was a significant drop in reports about warranties and protection plans, which decreased by over 84 percent. Robocall grievances also saw a reduction, with 1.2 million complaints compared to 1.8 million in FY 2022, marking the second year of decline, although robocalls remained a top issue for reported DNC violations. Medical and prescription-related complaints were the second-most reported, followed by debt-reduction, energy, solar, utilities, and warranties, and protection plan issues.

State-Specific Data on DNC Registrations and Complaints

The FTC's detailed scoreboard gives us the scoop on who's who in the world of DNC registrations in FY 2023, and New Hampshire is owning it with the most active consumers signed up per capita, followed by Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, Nevada, and Illinois who are leading the pack with the most gripes per 100,000 residents.

Fewer illegal robocalls is not only good news for consumers but for businesses as well, as it makes it more likely that legitimate calls are more likely to be received and answered.

This positive shift is largely attributable to the enhanced efforts of regulators combined with technological advancements in call screening and a renewed focus on DNC and TSR compliance from legitimate businesses, many of which are also learning to enhance consumer trust in the calls they place by using tools such as NumberVerifier to ensure proper Caller ID labels and avoid “Scam Call” mislabels.

Hopefully, this trend harbingers a return to the carefree days of old, when consumers could safely answer calls without fear of being victimized.

FAQ

1. What is the DNC? The National Do Not Call Registry allows Americans to opt-out of most telemarketing calls by registering their phone numbers, effectively reducing the receipt of unsolicited marketing calls.
   
2. How does the DNC Registry help businesses? Fewer illegal robocalls mean that legitimate business calls are more likely to be received and answered, enhancing the effectiveness of legal telemarketing efforts.
   
3. How many people are registered for the DNC? Over 2.6 million new registrations were added in 2023, bringing the total to over 249 million phone numbers.
   
4. What are some notable exceptions to the DNC restrictions for businesses?Calls to consumers with whom the caller has an Established Business Relationship (EBR) are exempt from Do Not Call restrictions.
   
5. Which states had the highest DNC registrations and complaints in 2023?
   New Hampshire led in per capita Do Not Call registrations, while states like Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, Nevada, and Illinois reported the most complaints per 100,000 residents.
   
6. What technological advancements have contributed to the decline in illegal robocalls? Technological advancements in call screening and tools like NumberVerifier, which help ensure proper Caller ID labels and avoid mislabeling as a “Scam Call,” have contributed to this decline.
   
7. What role does the FTC play in regulating telemarketing and robocalls?
   The FTC oversees the Do Not Call Registry, enforces compliance, and releases annual data books detailing trends and statistics in telemarketing and robocall activities.
   
8. What Does DNC Mean?
   DNC stands for "Do Not Call". It refers to the National Do Not Call Registry in the United States, where consumers can register their phone numbers to avoid receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls.
   
9. What are Scam Likely Calls? 'Scam Likely' is a caller ID label that some phone carriers automatically apply to incoming calls that their algorithms identify as potential scams. These calls are often from unknown numbers and have characteristics typical of robocalls or fraudulent schemes. Businesses can use tools like NumberVerifier to monitor their labels and ensure they dont call from Scam Likely labels.
   
10. What is a Robocall?
    A robocall is an automated telephone call that delivers a recorded message, typically on behalf of a political campaign, telemarketing company, or other organizations. These calls are often unsolicited and can sometimes be illegal, especially if they are made to numbers listed on the DNC Registry.