The Truth about Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry

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The Federal Trade Commission assures that cell phone numbers will not be released to telemarketers at any time in the near future despite the claims made in e-mails circulating on the Internet.

In addition, according to the agency, it is not necessary to register cell phone numbers on the DNC Registry to be protected from most telemarketing calls to cell phones.

The truth about cell phones and the DNC Registry is:

  • Contrary to the e-mail, cell phone numbers are NOT being released to telemarketers, and you will NOT soon be getting telemarketing calls on your cell phone.
  • There is NO deadline by which you must register your cell phone number on the Registry.
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent.
  • The national associations representing telemarketers have stated that their clients do not intend to start calling consumers’ cell phones.
  • There is only ONE DNC Registry. There is no separate registry for cell phones.
  • The DNC Registry accepts registrations from both cell phones and land lines. You must call from the phone number that you want to register. If you register online, you must respond to a confirmation e-mail.
  • While the telecommunications industry has been discussing the possibility of creating a wireless 411 directory, according to the FCC, even if a wireless 411 directory is established, most telemarketing calls to cell phones would still be illegal, regardless of whether the number is listed on the federal government’s National Do Not Call Registry.

Comments

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  • 0
    mkgeary@sbcglobal.net
    | 22 replies
    I noticed this was updated 2May2007 @ 2:16pm.  However, I received a call on my cell phone from "Budget Freight 323-354-3367" on 12May2007 @ 10:30am advertising Viagra and Cialis.  So much for "Contrary to the e-mail, cell phone numbers are NOT being released to telemarketers, and you will NOT soon be getting telemarketing calls on your cell phone."
  • 0
    GLB
    | 4 replies
    the above update is accurate, however keep in mind that the DNC registry and related regulations do not cover foreign firms. meaning an overseas firm can operate outside the US jurisdiction. the viagra crowd is primarily based overseas now (Phillipines, etc). they robo dial all numbers - a sad but unfortunate reality. i too get the calls from these places on my mobile...
  • +1
    Jeff
    | 50 replies
    A cell phone number being on the "no-call" list means nothing. Companies will get numbers anyway they can and it is not difficult to get the prefixes for cells and have a person or a computer to start dialing umbers in sequence. Alas, the best to do is to block them or ignore them.
  • 0
    Steve
    | 4 replies
    Some cell phone service providers sell your cell phone number to foreign based third party marketing firms that use automated dialers to call you.  I received several calls per day for several weeks on my cell phone and there was never anyone on the other end of the line.  Others reported that if they answered in Spanish that someone would tell them that they had won a cell phone and all they had to do was agree to a new 2 year contract.  Do a google search on 866-862-3983.
  • 0
    EB
    | 3 replies
    I run a service business with my cell phone as the primary phone#.  It is plastered all over the internet and in lots of advertizing, so whether the cell phone lists are released or not will not make any difference.   I assume this is becomming an increasing situation.  I have all my cell phones registered on the DNC list.  So far, no problems.
  • 0
    Tired of the BS
    Here is a link to the FCC to file a complaint for telemarketing calls:
    http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html
  • 0
    Austexmomma
    | 1 reply
    I am receiving calls from 866-430-4418 on my cell phone.

    My advice is, do not answer any numbers you do not recognize.  If it is important, they can leave a detailed message.

    One other concern is how to control "spam" text messages since you are charged for them even if you do wish to receive or read them.  
    There should be some sort of option to agree to for each text message showing who it is from and if you want to read it.

    For the mean time, I just have all text messages turned to "Off" on my phone.
  • 0
    charles
    | 5 replies
    I too have recieved calls from telemarketers on my cell phone this really pisses me off since they dont pay my minuetes they waste by calling me SO MUCH FOR OUR GOVERNMENT PROTECTING US
  • 0
    oogles
    | 112 replies
    we call any body with a business relationship with our customers... if you give your cell phone out thats what we call. National Do Not Call list is for cold calling only. We will put it in our systems that it is a cellphone if you tell us its a cellphone.. if you scream and rant.. we put it as a wrong number.. you'll be called by another division of our company less than a month later.
  • +1
    oogles replies to charles
    | 3 replies
    if you give your number out why should the government protect you?
  • 0
    Jay
    I get spam calls and texst messages on my cell. I try no to give my cell number away.
    I read somewhere here that it is illegal to do marketing calls to a cell phone. Can someone tell me what is the specific regulation and how do you get it to be enforced?
  • 0
    The Big Toe
    | 4 replies
    After Katrina and the huge housing issue in Mississippi we were at the ends as far as living arrangements; with no other choice we moved into a apartment complex; HERE you have no outside choices and are forced to use all the internal apartment complexes services which include: Cable; yes, what a joke there not cable but satelite which of course isnt cable at all as as advertised but none other then Direct TV; The Internet, and Phone service, I must report it all sucks ! ... yes, it does; BUT, our problem is; the former tenant who occupied this particular apartment is apparently running from collectors; yes, running's a good description; I cannot tell you how many collectors have called and refuse to listen and make note we are not the person they are trying to reach; that person no longer lives here nor do they have the phone number they are calling; I've been cursed at; screamed at and at one point even threatened; yes, I have; with this phone service you cannot block numbers only the phone company office can do this; BUT, how can you block a number when it comes in as un-available as in most cases collection agencies use a caller block for thier numbers and is shown as UN-KNOWN CALLER: ? .. they slowed to almost a halt now that it's almost a year, but the calls are starting all over again; now they come at distrubing times early in the am an dlate in the evening; and some will even hang up on us as we answer the phone: ? .. it's my belief that some of them do this just to taunt the person they are calling; do let me say life sucks in Mississippi; !
  • 0
    The Big Toe
    | 1 reply
    I apologize, Sorry I failed to add into my other comment block:
    If you get a call from this number: 480-588-0742 ....
    let me advise you of who this is: ....  
    FMA ALLIANCE; these people are collections; I used reverse look up on Google and learned they buy debts for .10 cents on the dollar then go at it whole HOG to attempt at collecting no holds barred; .. BEWARE: if you go to Google and put in this number it will also give you a list of other numbers that are registered to FMA ALLIANCE apparently they have numerous numbers they use when calling to collect as to disguise who they are:
    Thanks for the opportunity to post this message and I hope it helps someone actually anyone who see's this post:
  • 0
    rach replies to The Big Toe
    Call your phone company and have your number changed.  Most of them will do it one time at no charge if you explain your situation (ours did).  If you can't, then tell your landlord to do it (in writing).  They have 30 days to comply with a maintenance request (and if they provide your phone services that's what it is, a maintenance request).  Make sure they sign and date something saying they got your written request.  Hope that helps!
  • 0
    Mike replies to The Big Toe
    There is a special thread for this number. Here is the URL:

    https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-480-588-0742
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