FTC cracks down on rogue telemarketers

Some of the worst telemarketers were nailed for violating the Do Not Call list. This week, the Federal Trade Commission announced $7.7 million in settlements with six companies accused of ignoring the law and bugging consumers at home. Craftmatic Industries Inc., maker of adjustable beds will pay $4.4 million in civil penalties. (Now that's something to sleep on!) Alarm monitoring company ADT agreed to pay $2 million. Ameriquest Mortgage Company, Alarm King, Direct Security Services and Guardian Communications were also fined. In September, we warned consumers to renew their spots on the Do Not Call List or risk being dropped off. Since then, the FTC announced that it won’t delete any numbers pending a decision by Congress or the agency whether to make registration permanent. In the meantime, you can still verify whether you're number is registered, just to be safe.