Telemarketers to target Cell Phones

[midlife crisis]

I found out from my IT dept that as of 1/1/05 all cell phone #s will be made public to telemarketing firms. This potentially means our phones could start ringing with unwanted callers -that we have to pay for. According to the national "Do Not Call List", we have until 12/15/04 to call from the cell phone to be put on the list. (888-382-1222) I was also informed you can get on the list from the www.donotcall.gov website. It will keep you from receiving unwanted calls for 5 years. Hope this helps- Drew

 

[AfterBurner]

Thanks a million! I just signed up. I just got a call today from an 888#, but I missed it, so i don't know, but it's nice to know i wont have to worry about it! :-laf

 

[Andy Perreault]

When I got an e-mail about this I went to TruthOrFiction.com because I wasn't sure if it was a hoax or not. Here's what I found. You can link to it here: http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/celldirectory.htm



The Government Has New "Do Not Call List" for Cell Phones-Truth! & Fiction!



Summary of the eRumor

The eRumor warns that cell phone numbers will soon be published in the same way as the numbers for wired phones and that you should sign up with a new government cell phone "do not call" registry to prevent solicitor calls from coming to your mobile phone.

The Truth

The U. S. government has established a "do not call" registry where you can list phone numbers you want blocked from unsolicited calls such as from telemarketers.

That registry is for phone wired and mobile phones, however.

There is not a separate cell phone registry.

The registry is at: www.donotcall.gov.



At this writing (11/22/04) there is discussion among mobile providers about setting up a mobile phone directory listing mobile phone numbers.

According to the Cellular Telephone and Internet Association, a cell phone directory is proposed that would be available through calling directory assistance only, not published in writing or on the Internet.

Users would have the option of not having their numbers listed.



Updated 11/23/04

 

[Hale on wheels]

I thought it was illegal for tele-marketers to use any call that could cost you money, such as a cell phone or calling collect, ect, whether your cell phone is on the no call list or not.

 

[scootergmc]

It is. My buddy has a cell phone as his primary line. He started getting some calls from telemarketers. As soon as he told them it was his cell phone they were all EXTREMELY apologetic and informed him his # would be removed from the master list they received.

 

[nickleinonen]

i have gotten a few telemarketing calls on my cell, and i flat out tell them to go fu*k themselves and if they ever call back again i will take legal action against them... they don't seem to call after that...