Summary: Forwarded email warns that a directory of cell phone numbers will soon be published and urges users to enter their cell phone numbers on the federal 'Do Not Call' registry to prevent unsolicited calls from telemarketers.
Description: Email rumor
Circulating since: September 2004
Status: Mostly false
Email example contributed by Rita C., April 11, 2005:
--------------------Subject: For Everyone w/Cell Phones
JUST A QUICK REMINDER......
In 31 days, cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls. You will be charged for these calls.
Call this number from your cell phone 888-382-1222 or register on-line at www.donotcall.gov.
It is the national DO NOT CALL list. It only takes a minute of your time.It blocks your number for 5 years. Please pass this on to everyone you know who may be interested.
--------------------
Comments: Yes, you can add your cell phone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry.
But no, you won't suddenly be at the mercy of 10,000 telemarketers if you don't.
While it's true that several of the major wireless phone providers announced their intention some years ago to establish a 411 directory of customers' cell phone numbers, it is not true that they planned to "publish" said directory for any and all to read. Participating companies said the numbers would be made available only via telephone, only to users who dialed directory assistance and paid a fee, and only with customer consent.
In any case, the point has been moot since 2006, when the plan to create a 411 directory for cell phone numbers was indefinitely postponed.
Do Not Call Registry
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 via the Web or by calling 1-888-382-1222. It probably isn't necessary, mind you -- per FCC regulations, telemarketers are already prohibited from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers -- but millions have already signed up, and so can you.
Contrary to what most variants of the email rumor claim, there is no 31-day, 16-day, or 8-day deadline for adding cell phone numbers to the Do Not Call list — indeed, there is no deadline whatsoever.
Poll: Do you plan on adding your cell phone number to the Do Not Call Registry?
1) Yes 2) I already have 3) No, it isn't necessary 4) Undecided
More Info from the Federal Trade Commission
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More email examples:
Email example contributed by Paul T., 9 December 2004:
Subject: Fwd: FW: Cell phone telemarketingThought you guys could use this information!!
PASS IT ON!!!
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 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!
Email example contributed by Jason S., 2 December 2004:
For anyone that has a cell phone ....In a few weeks, cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketing companies and you may start to receive sales calls. Call this number from your cell phone 888-382-1222. Doing so will add your cell phone number to the national "Do Not Call" list. It should block your number from telemarketing calls for 5 years.
Email example contributed by Gail E., 14 October 2004:
Cell Phone Directory:A directory of cell phone numbers will be published soon. This opens the door to solicitors calling our cell phones using up our minutes. The Federal Trade Commission has set up a do not call list. You must call FROM the number you wish to register, or go to their website at www.donotcall.gov, to be included on the do not call list. The number is 1-888-382-1222.
Last updated: 10/13/07
