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Cell Phone Sales Calls Not a Threat (Yet)

December 14, 2004
A bogus e-mail has been raising cell phone users' anxiety level. The e-mail warns that cell phone directories are about to be provided to telemarketers, when in fact no such directory yet exists and it is illegal to make telemarketing calls to cell phones. And regulators are reminding cell phone users they can sign up for the Do Not Call Registry.

There is an effort underway by some cell phone companies to compile directories but they don't yet exist and even if they did, the 1991 Telemarketing Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) makes it illegal for solicitation calls to be made to wireless phone numbers without clear permission from the individual to whom a number has been assigned.

The Direct Marketing Association, which represents telemarketers, says that it continues to support vigorous enforcement of the absolute restriction on unsolicited calls to cell phone numbers for marketing purposes and urge federal and state authorities to prosecute those who may engage in this illegal activity.

The Federal Trade Commission reminds consumers that the National Do Not Call Registry has accepted personal cell phone and home phone number registrations since it opened for consumer registrations in June 2003. There is no deadline to register a home or cell phone number on the Registry.

To register a telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, or to file a complaint, consumers should visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236).

Consumers registering a phone number online will be asked to provide a valid e-mail address to which a confirmation of the registration will be sent. A registration is not complete until the consumer clicks on the link in this e-mail. Consumers registering by phone must call from the phone number they wish to register.

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