Checking Numbers

The most used feature of Do Not Call Sentry is the "Check Numbers" capability.  This is where your agents and staff enter the telephone numbers they want to check against both the National Do-Not-Call Registry and your company's own do-not-call list.

Once logged in, you will see the "Check Numbers" box on your screen.

"Check Numbers" is a very flexible tool.  You can enter numbers in a variety of formats.  The important thing to remember is that each phone number must be separated in some way.  Either put them on separate lines (using the 'return' or 'enter' keys, or put them on one line separated by a comma, tab, or semicolon.

If you have a large list of numbers, like a file exported from your contact manager, you can use the Windows 'copy & paste' function to check up to 10,000 numbers at once.  Note that while simple queries provide an instant response, checking a very large list like that can take up to a minute to process, so be patient.

When you've entered the numbers you want to check, click on "Run Report."

The Check Numbers Report

Every number you enter into the "Check Numbers" box will be reported back to you on the "Check Numbers Report." 

The report, which can be printed for your records, includes a header identifying you along with the date and time of your query, and the date of the National Do Not Call Registry used to process your information.  The law requires the Registry be not more than 31-days old.  DNCsentry™ is automatically updated so you are always well within the requirements of the law. 

Each number you queried is reported back to you in one of four categories:

UNRESTRICTED - These are numbers you may call without restriction.  They do not appear on the National Do-Not-Call Registry nor on your company's own do-not call list, or your company has on file specific written permission to call that overrides their placement on the list.

RESTRICTED - These numbers do appear on the National Registry, but an exemptions has been recorded which opens a 'calling window.'  The specific exemption is described and the specific date the call window expires is provided to you.  Upon expiration of that calling window, the phone number will revert to "do-not-call" status.

DO NOT CALL - These numbers either appear on your company's do-not-call list, or on the National Do Not Call Registry.  No exemptions have been logged.  You may not lawfully call these numbers.

DO NOT CALL - NUMBERS NOT CHECKED - If you check a number that is in an area code to which your company has not subscribed with the Federal government, the number will appear in this section.  It doesn't mean they are on the National Registry, only that we are not permitted to check that number for you.  Since about 40% of residential number are on the Do Not Call Registry, it would be very risky for you to call one of these.