FTC Warns on Cell Phones, Telemarketers

You may receive an email saying cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers "tomorrow" and you must register your cell phone number with the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry to avoid being charged for these calls. According to a press release by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this information is not true and there is no deadline for registering your cell phone number.

Cell Phones and Telemarketers

The FTC says cell phone numbers are NOT being released to telemarketers in the near future. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Using automated dialers is standard in the telemarketing industry, and in most cases, cell phone owners must give their consent for telemarketers to call their cell phone.

Only one DNC registry exists for both landline and cell phone numbers. Currently, the list includes over 139 million numbers. You can choose to register your cell phone number on the Do Not Call list at 888-382-1222; however, the national associations that represent telemarketers claim that their members have no plans to start calling consumers' cell phones.

If you decide to register your cell phone number for the 5-year Do Not Call protection, you MUST call from the cell phone you are registering. You can also register any phone number, including cell phone numbers, at the Do Not Call website. If you register online, you will be required to respond to a confirmation email. You can also report violations of telemarketers calling your cell phone on the DNC website that is operated by the FTC.

Cell Phones and the Wireless 411 Directory

The telecommunications industry has been looking into launching a wireless 411 directory. The wireless 411 directory would give consumers a way to list their cell phone number in a national directory service the same way they can with a landline phone number. The wireless 411 directory would also give consumers wider contact during emergencies, enhanced business opportunities, and greater social interactions.