Originally published May 5 2005
Emails claiming that telemarketers will soon be calling cell phones are part of a hoax
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Many people have received emails saying that cell phone numbers will soon be vulnerable to telemarketers, but the emails are actually a hoax or, possibly, a gigantic misunderstanding. Congress has mandated that it is illegal for telemarketing companies to call cell phone numbers with automatic dialers, since cell users must pay for the connection. The emails may have arisen from a misunderstanding about a new push to create a directory of cell phone numbers and users. This effort is merely to create a directory of cell phone numbers. Telemarketing companies will not use it. However, concerned users can call 1-888-382-1222 from their cell phones to ensure their numbers are on the do-not-call list.
Ominous e-mails that have been warning consumers that telemarketers will soon start calling cell phone numbers are either part of a hoax or a misunderstanding by those who sent the messages, regulators and consumer groups say.
Still, the messages --- widely assumed to be legitimate --- are triggering a surge in sign-ups for the national do-not-call list.
The e-mails zigzagged the nation last fall and have resurfaced over the past few weeks.
One e-mail offers a "quick reminder" that "in a few weeks, cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls" that incur a charge.
But they appear to stem from reports last year that wireless carriers plan a national directory of cell phone numbers.
(One reason is that cellular users must pay for incoming calls.)
Also, most of the big wireless carriers have chosen either not to take part in the directory or to put off any plans to do so in light of consumer fears.
They say any directory would include only those customers who agreed to participate and that the numbers would not be shared with telemarketers or anyone else.
Congress has considered a bill to codify such rules.
"I think this started from someone being confused about the directory," says Janee Briesemeister of Consumers Union.
Briesemeister worried at first that the e-mails were part of a scam to fool consumers into turning over their cell phone numbers to telemarketers.
Consumers can add their numbers --- cell phone or landline --- to the list by calling 888-382-1222 from the number they want to register.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml