Cell phones safe from telemarketing

Once again, e-mails are circulating in the area warning that cell phone numbers will soon be released to telemarketers. The e-mails urge people to put their cell numbers on the “do not call†registry, or face a deluge of calls that will not only be a nuisance, but for which consumers will have to pay, even when the calls go to voicemail.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a recent press release assuring the public there is no reason for concern.

“There is no truth to this rumor. Cell phone numbers are not being released to telemarketers, and you will not soon be getting telemarketing calls on your cell phone,†wrote FCC spokesperson Rosemary Kimball. “FCC rules prohibit the use of autodialers and prerecorded messages to call cell phones without the consumer’s consent. Thus, most telemarketers are barred from contacting consumers on their cell phones.â€

The rumors began about five years ago when a number of national cellular service carriers hired Qsent Inc. to compile a listing of cell phone numbers.

“Wireless 411†seemed a natural sequence to the trend away from landline phones. The plan was not to produce a cell phone book or electronic listing. The information would be available only through 411 directory assistance.

Most importantly, it would be on an opt-in basis only, working the opposite of landline phone service, where listings are automatic unless the customer requests privacy. If and when wireless 411 is initiated, it will be up to carriers to notify customers and provide a method to opt in. Those who don’t respond will not be included.

While the likelihood of receiving telemarketer calls on cell phones is minimal, there is no charge and little effort involved in getting on the “do not call†registry, for both landlines and cell phones. Call 888-382-1222 or go to donotcall.gov.

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