The federal Telemarketing Sales Rule recognizes an established business relationship exception to the National Do Not Call Registry requirements for certain live telemarketing calls. Where the relationship results from a consumer ' s purchase, rental, lease, or financial transaction with the seller, the seller may generally place qualifying calls for up to 18 months following the consumer ' s last transaction, payment, or delivery.
The Federal Trade Commission specifically confirms this 18-month established-business-relationship period. Importantly, the exception does not override a consumer ' s direct request that the particular company stop calling. If the consumer asks to be placed on that seller ' s company-specific do-not-call list, the company must honor that request even when an otherwise valid established business relationship exists.
The rule also distinguishes an established relationship based on a completed transaction from one arising merely from an inquiry or application. A consumer inquiry or application normally supports a shorter three-month period.
Therefore, for a consumer who purchased insurance from the company, the period tested by this question is 18 months, making A correct.
Study Guide Reference: Federal Laws and Regulations — National Do Not Call Registry; Telemarketing Sales Rule; established business relationships.
