When Pricefinder returns phone numbers - either on a property report, in Phone Search results, or via prospecting - a compliance warning is displayed alongside the numbers. This article explains what the warning means and what your obligations are as a user.
Important points to be noted:
- The same compliance warning applies to phone numbers returned via Phone Search, Prospecting (with phone numbers enabled), and the Property Report.
- The Do Not Call Register (DNCR) is a federal Australian register of numbers that must not receive unsolicited telemarketing calls. Pricefinder washes phone numbers against the DNCR, but this is not real-time - always verify independently before calling any number.
- Pricefinder phone numbers are provided for information purposes only - the user is solely responsible for compliance with the DNCR and any other applicable legislation.
- This article covers the Pricefinder compliance warning only. For full DNCR guidance, visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website.
The Pricefinder phone number compliance warning
When phone numbers are displayed on a Pricefinder results page, a compliance warning is shown above the results table:
Warning: "Information purposes only. You must have permission to call, and must not use numbers for unsolicited calls. Number may exist on DNCR." A "View further details about phone numbers" link is shown alongside the warning.
In plain terms, this means:
- Information purposes only - phone numbers are provided as a reference only, not as a confirmed or guaranteed contact.
- You must have permission to call - you must have a lawful basis to contact the person. Permission may come from an existing relationship, prior enquiry, or consent.
- Numbers must not be used for unsolicited calls - do not use Pricefinder phone numbers to make cold calls or for unsolicited telemarketing.
DNCR symbol legend
Pricefinder washes phone numbers against the DNCR and displays a symbol next to each number in the results:
Symbol |
Meaning |
|---|---|
| * | Phone number exists on the Do Not Call Register |
| ^ | Phone number did NOT exist on the DNCR when last washed |
| (no prefix) | Phone number has not been washed against the DNCR |
Important: The ^ prefix does not mean the number is safe to call. The washing may not be current. Always check the DNCR independently before calling any number.
What is the DNCR?
The Do Not Call Register (DNCR) is an Australian federal register managed by the ACMA. It allows individuals and businesses to register phone numbers they do not want to receive unsolicited telemarketing calls on. Key points for real estate agents:
- Calling a number on the DNCR for telemarketing purposes without consent is a breach of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006.
- The DNCR applies to unsolicited calls. Calls made with the recipient’s consent, or as a follow-up to an existing relationship, may be exempt.
- Agents are responsible for independently verifying DNCR status before calling any number obtained through Pricefinder, regardless of the symbol shown.
- Pricefinder washes numbers against the DNCR, but the wash is not real-time. A ^ symbol means the number was not on the register at the time of the last wash, not at the time of your search.
Where does the compliance warning appear?
The compliance warning appears in three places in Pricefinder:
- Property Report - when a phone number is displayed in the Phone Numbers section of a property report.
- Phone Search results - when results are returned via the Phone Search tab.
- Prospecting results - when phone numbers are included in a prospecting search.
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