Telemarketing companies to start calling cell phones!

[im10ashus]

31 days from today, cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS.

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone - [phone]. It is the National DO NOT CALL LIST. It will only take five minutes of your time (actually, it took me less than two minutes). It blocks your number for five (5) years. You can also access their website: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

Pass this information on to your friends.

[henslee]

1. This could be the most imp. thread of the day. Think of how much

collective time we will be saving if we opt in.

[im10ashus]

2. I would be so pissed if I started getting these calls.

Thanks for the warm response. :-)

[henslee]

5. I nominated it for greatest... no kidding. Actually, I have already

gotten these calls on my cell... only in spanish.

[im10ashus]

7. Yikes!

En Espanol? Thanks for the nom.

[mcscajun]

3. Old hoax...new date...some truth.

http://news.com.com/E-mail+hoax+sparks+Do+Not+Call+stampede/2100-1024_3-5491349.html?tag=nefd.top

http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp

Nobody's 'releasing' cell phone numbers to telemarketers. In fact, before the inception of the Do Not Call List, they'd been 'accidentally' calling them for sometime, as there was no distinction between cell phone and landline numbers when portability was introduced.

The National Do Not Call List has been accepting registrations for cell phones for some time. You can register multiple landline and cell phone numbers on the site, and yes, the registration is good for some years.

I recall a telemarketing call I received on my cell phone about 3-4 years ago while I was coming home on the commuter train. I was so startled by it, I blurted out "How'd you get this number?" I felt so stupid after I hung up...same way they get all the numbers. Cell phone numbers aren't in a lockbox.

[SonofMass]

8. Quit bringing out facts here. It's ruining the outrage!

[mcscajun]

10. LOL -- I know...people would much rather jump up and down.

Most of the time, anyway.

:)

[im10ashus]

12. LOL! n/t

[henslee]

9. Hoax? at a dot gov site? Hope not. hope I didn't jump the gun... nt

[mcscajun]

13. Not a hoax AT a .gov site....

...people getting the facts wrong, is all.

If people did more research and less forwarding... :)

[im10ashus]

15. Still, an ounce of prevention...

[mcscajun]

17. Prevention never bothers me...panic does.

:) "Chicken little" screaming Definitely does.

We now return to our usual insanity. :)

[im10ashus]

18. LMAO!

Ain't it the truth! Please No Panic Here! It won't be allowed.

[mcscajun]

19. All panic must move to the Lounge.

Immediately.

:rofl:

[im10ashus]

11. That's good information.

Still, I've added my number, just as a security. Thanks! :-)

[mcscajun]

14. Absolutely add your number. :)

As far as the "Wireless 411 Directory" goes that no doubt prompted this panic, it's strictly "opt-in": folks with cell phones will not have their numbers included in it unless they Allow it.

Doesn't mean you don't put all your numbers in the Do Not Call List. Better safe than inundated. :)

[livetohike]

4. Everyone please go to the web site and register

Last year I received a check for $270 from the state of CA which prosecuted a telemarkting firm. One hundred and twenty others complained about this firm. It was the first lawsuit of its kind and we split the financial penalty. There is a "File a Complaint" section on the website.

[Booster]

6. Thanks for this info. I have sent this on to everyone I know.

[Yellow_Dog]

16. Since I had already received calls on my cell phone

I blocked my cell phones when the 'do not call list' first became available.

[Duer 157099]

20. What happens in 5 years if I forget to renew?

I just registered my numbers, and even accidentally registered somebody elses (hopefully they won't mind... I didn't see a way to "unregister" it after I discovered the error).

But... what happens in 5 years when it expires? do telemarketers then get access to this list, those that have expired?

[im10ashus]

21. My guess is they will then have access to your numbers.

As far as registering another number by mistake. If you did it via the website, they will send you an email confirmation. Until you click the link in the email confirmation, that number won't be registered.

[Duer 157099]

26. Right, they will have a whole list of people to bug in 5 years! lol

and I didn't notice the error until after I had clicked on the email link... oh well, can't imagine it would bother anyone to inadvertantly be on this list! (I should call them and tell them... how ironic would that be?)

[im10ashus]

29. LOL!

I think that would be hilarious to call them. Sort of like a candid camera moment.

[Duer 157099]

30. Yeah, lol

"Hello? Yes, I'm calling to tell you that you are on the National No-Call List"

[bettyellen]

22. thanks dear!

i mentioned it to friend who just got new phones- and they had forgotten to sign up!
:loveya:

[im10ashus]

23. You are welcome!

How was the beach? :-) Wait! Don't tell me. I'll just sulk.

[bettyellen]

24. don't sulk.

but it was gorgeous.
:evilgrin:

[im10ashus]

25. Blah!

:evilfrown:

[obxhead]

27. You CAN sue these companies!

It's a lot easier than you might think. First at the first call get the phone operators name, company name, and a phone number if possible. The rest of the info you need is on the net. Inform them not to call again. When they do call again go to your local district courthouse and file a small claims suit against the offending company. I have a friend that makes about $5,000 a year doing this and it only takes her about 5 hours of her time per company.

[donheld]

28. Thanks for the link

Registered thanks.