The 411 on Bogus “Do Not Call” Emails

From time to time bogus emails about cell phone numbers and the “Do Not Call” (DNC) Registry circulate around the internet and make their way into our inboxes.  These emails falsely claim that cell phone numbers are about to be turned over to telemarketers. The emails take on an air of credibility by saying that you can protect yourself by registering your number with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) “Do Not Call” Registry.  Ever since these rumors began years ago, the FTC and CTIA-The Wireless Association® have diligently sought to debunk the myths.  While many folks might have heard by now that these panic-inducing emails are simply not true and cell phone numbers are NOT being turned over to telemarketers,  there are undoubtedly still some people out there who might not realize it’s a sham.  For this reason, it’s important to continue spreading the word to co-workers, families, and friends and remind consumers about the truth. 

According to the FTC, here are the facts about the DNC Registry:

• 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 members do not intend to start calling consumers’ cell phones. 
• There is only ONE National 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.

For more information, visit the FTC’s website: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/10/dnccellphones.shtm