Technology and Learning Resources

Rumor - Dangers of Telemarketers Starting to Call your Cell Phone
December 2004

A rumor has been circulating the Internet about the dangers of telemarketers starting to call your cell phone. This is largely untrue.

From:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_cell_phone_directory.htm

Comments: While it's true that the major wireless phone providers (with the exception of Verizon) have announced their intention to establish a 411 directory of customers' cell phone numbers beginning in late 2005, it is not true that they plan to "publish" said directory for any and all to read. Participating companies say the numbers will be made available only with customer consent and only via telephone to users who dial directory assistance and pay a fee.

The companies swear the numbers will never be available to telemarketers.

Dec. 15th 'deadline' is bogus

In any case, the Federal Trade Commission does allow cell phone users to add their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry — the same one already in force for landlines — either on the Web or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Contrary to what some variants of the email rumor claim, there is no December 15, 2004 deadline for adding cell phone numbers to the list — indeed, there is no deadline whatsoever.

In fact, telemarketers are barred by Federal law from using automatic dialers to call cell phones.

However, the registration information is correct and cell phones can be added, though there is no immediate imperative, as the email suggests.

The National Do Not Call Registry can be found on the Internet at:
https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

The original email circulating looks like this:

Starting Jan 1, 2005, all cell phone numbers will be made public to telemarketing firms. So this means as of Jan 1, your cell phone may start ringing off the hook with telemarketers, but unlike your home phone, most of you pay for your incoming calls. These telemarketers will eat up your free minutes and end up costing you money in the long run.

According to the National Do Not Call List, you have until Dec. 15th 2004 to get on the national "Do not call list" for cell phones. They said that you need to call 1-888-382-1222 from the cell phone that you wish to have put on the "do not call list" to be put on the list.

They also said you can do it online at:
http://www.donotcall.gov

Registering only takes a minute, is in effect for 5 years and will possibly save you money (definitely frustration)! Make sure you register now!

Posted by Jay Field
December 15, 2004