Like millions of people nationwide, I signed up for the "do not call list" the very day it started. I have checked, at least once a year, to ensure my phone numbers are still listed as "do not call." Charities and political calling are exempt from this list. Also exempt is any company with which you currently do business, such as a bank, department store, etc.

I only have one credit card with my bank and don't mind if they call. I promptly tell them I am not interested. However, since the start of this year, I have noticed I have gotten solicitations from companies with whom I have never done business. Yesterday I got a call from one department store chain asking me if I was aware of their July 4th sale. I said, "Independence Day weekend is over and are you aware I am on the do not call list?" The caller acted as if he didn't have a clue what I was talking about. This happens to me about three times a week despite being on the "list" since its inception.

I don't know what has emboldened telemarketers all of a sudden. I went years and years of not receiving any calls from them. Now, since January, they are calling me again. Just curious if anyone else has had this problem. I have filed complaints against the companies. But, the telemarketers calling on behalf of these companies continue unabated. Only thing I do now is if I don't recognize the number, I don't answer. If it is important, they will leave a message on voicemail. The "Do Not Call List" simply isn't working for me any longer.