WASHINGTON -- The telemarketing industry is widening its legal challenge to the government's national do-not-call list.

The industry is suing a second federal agency over the call-blocking service, which telemarketers say will ruin their business and put up to 2 million people out of work.

SURVEY The telemarketing industry is suing over the government's national do-not-call list, saying it will ruin their business and put up to 2 million people out of work. What do you think? I'm all for the list. They can find jobs in other fields. I'm for the list, but feel bad about people losing jobs. I think the list is a bad idea. People shouldn't have to lose their jobs. Results  |  Disclaimer

An industry group had sued the Federal Trade Commission in January to try to stop the list. Now it's asking a federal court to reject new rules set by the Federal Communications Commission.

The FCC added its authority to the list to close regulatory loopholes and block calls from certain industries -- including airlines, banks and telephone companies.

The head of the American Teleservices Association calls the government agencies' actions "regulatory overkill."

Beginning in September, telemarketers will have to check the list every three months to see who doesn't want to be called. Firms could be fined up to $11,000 per violation.

The toll-free number to call to join the Do Not Call list is (888) 382-1222.

To register online, visit DoNotCall.gov.

Discuss Telemarketers