Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Telemarketing & Spam Laws

There are multiple rules that telemarketers and sellers must follow when calling consumers. Examples of these rules include:

Texas Laws

Section 304.051 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code
This statute provides for the maintenance of the Texas No-Call list that consumers in Texas can join.

Section 227 in Title 47 of the U.S. Code
This section of federal regulations focuses on restrictions on the use of telephone equipment and is also referred to as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Chapter 87, Title 15 of the U.S. Code.
This section of the U.S. Code contains the telemarketing rules which limits who and when telemarketers are able to call.
Chapter 87a, Title 15 of the U.S. Code
This chapter establishes the National Do Not Call Registry.

Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule
This page of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website discusses the rules telemarketers must follow.
Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts
This guide from The Federal Communications Commission explains how they are working to prevent unwanted calls and how consumers can take steps to stop these calls themselves.
How late can telemarketers call?
This FAQ explains that state law restricts certain telephone solicitations to the period between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (or noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday).

Below are resources for lessening the amount of unsolicited calls, email, and mail you receive.

National Do Not Call Registry
Information and registration page for the federal government's National Do Not Call Registry: a free, easy way to reduce the telemarketing calls you get at home.
Stopping Unsolicited Mail, Phone Calls, and Email
The Federal Trade Commission site brings a variety of opt out sources together.
Consumer Tips: World Privacy Forum’s Top Ten Opt Outs
World Privacy Form presents recommendations for increasing privacy protections.
Prescreened Credit and Insurance Offers (FTC)
This page of the Federal Trade Commission explains what prescreened offers of credit and insurance are and how to opt out.
Texas No Call Lists
This publication from the Public Utility Commission of Texas Describes the Statewide “Do Not Call” List.
Phone, Mail and Fax Scams (Texas Attorney General)
This page provides an overview of relevant laws and tips on how to protect yourself from spam.

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.