I just read some info about a Do Not Call List for cell phone numbers. Something about it becoming legal in Jan 2005 for telemarketers to call cell #s..... There is a list that has a 12/15/04 deadline to get on.

Is this a legitimate list..... is threat of telemarketers calling our cells effective Jan 2005 for real or is this just another urban legend joke?

Just asking....

Thanks,
L.

<small>[ December 06, 2004, 01:15 PM: Message edited by: Orchid ]</small>

There is a website you can go to an register to have your name taken off the telemarketing call list. I don't remember what it is but I can try to find out. I did it while I was visiting my parents. I did it for my home phone and my cell. I haven't had hardly any calls since.

It already includes cell numbers - if you register them.

Go to the Do Not Call web site > https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

Best US gov. program ever!

WAT

Orchid,

Try urbanlegendsandfolklore.com

The cell directory topic - the link Java posted - is an entirely different matter.

WAT

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by worthatry:
<strong> The cell directory topic - the link Java posted - is an entirely different matter.

WAT </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">It addresses the topic as folks are being "spun up" to expect sales calls on their cell phones.

I don't think it's a different matter, but a different presentation of this matter.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">
A directory of cell phone numbers will soon be published for all consumers to have access to. This will open the doors for solicitors to call you on your cell phones, using up the precious minutes that we pay lots of money for. The Federal Trade Commission has set up a "do not call" list. It is called a cell phone registry. To be included on the "do not call" list, you must call from the number you wish to register.

The number is 1-888-382-1222 or you can go to their website at www.donotcall.gov.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">FWIW,

TB

<small>[ December 06, 2004, 01:41 PM: Message edited by: javaSansContour ]</small>

Thanks all for your input.....so my question is: Do these sites work or not? Some say yes and others no. My parents were instructed by the phone company to get on the list for their landline. They did and still get fax calls at 2am, etc. They were also told it could take up to 3 months to see any results. Hm.... Jan 1st is a lot closer than 3 months. So, I went to the store and was told to get a 'zapper' tool. Not sure if that will work for land lines either.

What I read was sent to me from someone who read it on urban legends. Just need some better direction or reassurance, I guess. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

I registered our numbers in '03 and we haven't gotten any telemarketing calls since then.

We did get political calls before the election so I guess they are an exception.

Something about it becoming legal in Jan 2005 for telemarketers to call cell #s
It's not illegal for anyone (including telemarketers) to call your cell phone now.

You can get on the Do Not Call list.
Some states have one and there is also a national list.
National Do Not Call Registry
This includes homes phones as well as cell phones.

Is this a legitimate list..... is threat of telemarketers calling our cells effective Jan 2005 for real or is this just another urban legend joke?
The list you are refering to for cell phones is sort of an urban legend.
Right now, there is not a published "list" of cell phone numbers like the white pages.
The cell phone companies are looking at making a "white pages" type of listing available, but your name would NOT go on it unless you specifically tell them you want your number on it.
It's being made just because everyone now has a cell phone, not because telelmarketers
And it's not being made specifically for telelmarketers. If you do nothing your name will NOT go on in this list.

But as I wrote previously, there is nothing to stop them from calling your cell phone now. They just don't have your number and it is not published.
So get on the list. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Orchid - I registered my numbers as soon as the registry was set up - over a year ago now? - and it's like someone turned off a switch. It really worked.

The .gov site is the FCC run registry. This is the primary mechanism for registering your numbers.

A funny story related to this: As I prepared to move back in the summer and finally listed my house for sale, I started getting the requesite junk mail from moving companies wanting my business. One evening I got a phone call - during dinner - from so and so moving company offering me 10% off if I schedule RIGHT NOW for them to move my belongings.

Them: That's right, Mr. WAT, we'll give you 10% off our estimate - no matter when the move actually occurs or where you're moving - if you agree today to let us do it for you.

Me: Wow, that sounds good! Who did you say you were and what is your phone number?

Them: We're [Joe Blows Movers - xxx-xxx-xxxx] - Can you tell me where you'll be moving?

Me: Yea, but first, 10% off, huh?

Them: That's right, Mr. WAT.

Me: How much more off could I get if I don't report you to the FCC for violating the Do Not Call registry?

Them: - click -

WAT

Also, go sign up to get removed from direct marketing mailings and calls.
http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglistdave.
http://www.dmaconsumers.org/offtelephonelist.html#what
And yes, this absolutely does work.

Also, I use a simple form letter which I send out to ALL my accounts (banks, investments and all bills (phone, gas, cable, etc) as well as anything I may order online or thru catalogs.

The letter states that any of my information is to be used solely to administer any accounts I have with the company and my information may not under any circumstances be sold, traded or given away to any other organization without my express written permission.

I send it to any new accounts as soon as I get them and I send it to any current accounts every 2-3 years.
When I moved into my current house (7+ years ago), I did this and I have only received maybe 20-30 crapola mailings addressed directly to me.
Some of these were immediately after we moved in (name/address gets published in local paper when you buy a home).
You are still gonna get mail addressed to "Resident" though.

Thanks y'all. I just registered our phone numbers. H informed of the what I found out before hand of course and he agreed this is the right thing t/d. I told him I got some guidance from MBers. He didn't put up a fuss, was even glad I agreed to take care of this trivial matter. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Still have to check into the zapper thing for my parents.

Chris, Wat and others: Big thanks. I appreciate you all going that extra mile for this internet dummy. LOL!!!

Mahalo,
L.