The Do Not Call Registry only works for companies you haven't done business with. When you fill out a sweepstakes form or something like this, it counts as doing business with them, the DNC list isn't in effect for that company or it's subsidiaries. (Yes, there are other loopholes. Like charities and political parties being totally exempt. And calling places of business is exempt.)
So unless someone's privacy policy provides a specific opt-out AND you do it AFTER you initiate the "business" (often past some number of days after the business), you are putting your info up for sale.
Unfortunately, I happen to know that those "we have 30 days to comply clauses" often means they use the 30 days to disseminate your info to as many places as possible, with 3rd parties with whom they have agreements that will later share-back the info. By and large, the only protection you have is their good will and ethics, which may change at any time.
I NEVER give out my phone number or email address on any kind of form, never enter sweepstakes and drawing and never send away for a free trial of anything. I'd like to be one of those people who just doesn't really care about the junk, but I'm not.
I just got a new phone line for my office (very carefully labeled a personal phone line) and despite immediately registering for the DNC list, I am getting 20-30 phone calls PER DAY. I didn't pay the $8 per month to be unlisted; it's robbery. I just don't ever pick up the phone.
