If you've received an e-mail warning that cell phone numbers will soon be released to telemarketers and that you should hurry and add your number to the federal government's Do Not Call Registry, ignore it. It is totally false, say government officials.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that it is already illegal for most telemarketers to call mobile phones. They are prohibited from using automated dialing to reach cell phones, pagers or any other such service where the recipient has to pay for the call. Automated dialing is what most telemarketers use.
Although the rumor has previously surfaced, the FTC has seen a recent increase in inquiries about it and has urged recipients to stop forwarding the e-mail. It is unsure as to what is driving the e-mail, although it stated on its website earlier this year that the rumor might be the result of discussions by leading telecommunication companies concerning creating a wireless 411 information directory. But even if this were implemented, the FTC states, consumers would still have a choice as to whether to be included in the directory, and it would not be released to telemarketers.
Consumers can certainly add their cell phone numbers to the Do Not Call list, but it isn't necessary. It is against the law for telemarketers to call phone numbers on the registry, except for charitable and political organizations and companies conducting surveys. However, the FTC does purge numbers from the registry after five years, requiring consumers to reregister. Federal legislation is pending, though, which would make the registry permanent. You can check online to see when your registration will expire, or register new numbers at
http://www.donotcall.gov/. New numbers can also be added by calling 1-888-382-1222.
