Q: Why is no enforcement being done on complaints about the No Call List? I’ve filed complaints about one specific call for two years and they’re still calling.
—T. Patrick Kelly, Conyers
A: Do Not Call complaints are entered into a Federal Trade Commission database called the Consumer Sentinel system, which is available to more than 1,000 law enforcement agencies, according to the FTC website. The FTC doesn't resolve individual complaints, but provides information to investigate companies, which "could lead to law enforcement action," according to the website. To file a complaint, contact the FTC or the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection (consumer.georgia.gov). You also can register a complaint by calling 1-888-382-1222 or at www.donotcall.gov.
Q: I’ve heard that members of Congress can serve one term and retire with full pensions. Is that true?
—Barbara Turner, Newnan
A: Members of Congress are eligible to receive a pension when they are 62 years old, if they have served five full years, according to www.senate.gov. If they have 20 years in Congress, they are eligible for a pension at age 50. After 25 years, they are eligible for a pension at any age. The amount of the pension is related to the years of service, and by law, the "starting amount of a member's retirement annuity may not exceed 80 percent of his or her final salary," according to the website, which also states that all members of Congress pay into Social Security.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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