For a $5.00 fee, you can sign up on the internet at:

* Screen your telephone calls.
Use an answering machine or voice mail. Or you can use such services such as Caller ID or Privacy Manager, which may involove a phone company fee.

* Get an unlisted phone number.
The volume of unwanted calls generally is lower for unlisted phone numbers. Telephone companies typically charge a monthly fee for an unlisted phone number.

* Remove your name from the local phone book.
Call your phone company's business office to have your name removed from it's street address directories.

* Remove your name from commercial street address directories.
Contact the two major companies listed below to have your name removed from other street address directories. Send your request in writing to these companies and include your name, address, zip codes and phone number.

* Take your name off credit bureau marketing lists.
Contact credit bureaus to remove your name from their marketing lists. Four major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, Innovis and Trans Union share a single hotline to assist consumers in removing their names:

* Protect your phone number
Don't print your phone number on your checks. Don't give your home phone number when signing up for contests, drawings or sweepstakes. Consider giving your work number when you must give a phone number to merchants.

*Protect your privacy when calling toll-free or using a "900" number.
If you are calling companies using an "800", "888", "877", "866", or "900" number, tell them you don't want your name, address, and phone number shared. You can also tell them not to call you in the future.

For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at: