US calling rules every caller should know

Why this matters for you

US calling rules follow the person you call, not where you sit, so they apply to calls from Egypt too. Your employer is responsible for its calling programme and its rules come first, but knowing the basics protects you, the customer and the business. This lesson is general information, not legal advice.

Calling hours

Federal rules allow sales calls to consumers only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the called person's local time. Some states, such as Florida and Oklahoma, are stricter: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and no more than three calls to the same number in 24 hours. The safe habit is to call between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. their time, and at most three attempts a day.

Say who you are

Give your name and the company you are calling for, and be ready to give a phone number where they can reach the company.

Do-not-call requests

If someone asks not to be called again, stop, apologise, and record the request exactly as your employer's process says. Businesses must honour these requests, so logging them matters.

Recordings, caller ID and recorded voices

• Some states, including California and Florida, require everyone on a call to agree to it being recorded. If calls are recorded, say so at the start when your employer tells you to.
• Never change or hide the caller ID number to trick people.
• Recorded messages, AI voices and soundboards need the person's written consent in advance. Speak in your own voice.