Official Explains Why Phones Are Still Ringing For Those On No Call List

By Marcy Norton

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A lot of people who registered for the No Call List complain they still get a lot of unwanted calls. There's a wide-spread belief that the list expires after a while, but that's not the reason your phone may be ringing.

There are two No Call Lists - a national one, run by the Federal Trade Commission, and the state one, run by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office.

Sadie Miller of the AG's office says once you're on those lists, you're on for good. They don't expire.

"The only time someone should have to register or re-register is if they got a new phone number, of if there's another number that they would like to register with our office."

She says it may seem like you're getting more unsolicited calls because it's election time, but political calls are exempt from the no-call rules, along with certain charities and veterans' organizations.

Companies you've done business with in the last year can also call you. And phone scammers aren't covered either. Martin says a call from someone trying to get your personal information isn't considered a solicitation.