cell phones and telemarketing

[MK]

I just did this. I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't.....unless you like telemarketing calls.

In a few weeks, cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing
companies and you will start to receive sale calls. You will be charged for
these calls.
Call this number from your cell phone 888-382-1222.
It is the national DO NOT CALL list. It only takes a minute of your time.
It blocks your number for 5 years. Please pass this on to everyone you know
who doesn't want to be hassled.

You can go to www.donotcall.gov and get it done faster and easier.

 

[Mycroft]

I just did, thanks a bunch.

 

[ITG]

When you say they will charge you, do you mean charge you a specific fee or just take it from your air minutes or both? If the former or latter, that sounds like an illegal charge.

 

[Michaelson]

It cooks off YOUR time if you answer it. What has burned me in the past was when they'd leave long telemarketing recordings on your voice mail, and there wasn't anyway to delete them without listening to the whole thing, cooking off minutes again! That was stopped, but looks like they're being given a green light again! Thanks MK. I've done this once, but it was time to re-register! Regards! Michaelson

 

[SHARPETOYS]

When you say they will charge you, do you mean charge you a specific fee or just take it from your air minutes or both? If the former or latter, that sounds like an illegal charge.

Your Air Time!!

 

[ITG]

Thanks Sharpie. I think Michaelson beat ya to the punch. Appreciated though

 

[zeus36]

Now don't all of you cell phone users get too excited.... Take a look at these links for more info on this subject. But it is still a good idea to get on the list!

Z.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/gi/dy...ies/telecom/2005-04-17-cell-number-usat_x.htm

AND

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_cell_phone_directory.htm

AND

http://urbanlegends.about.com/gi/dy...magazine/channel_story.php?channel=8&id=93706

 

[Michaelson]

I take those with a grain of salt as well, as telemarketeers have been trying to get this going since States implemented this program for land lines (I've been registered in Tennessee for almost 3 years now, and the calls stopped). With them hammering the 'freedom of information act' for access in the hallowed halls of Congress, it's only a matter of time before the lists will be made available. Regards. Michaelson

 

[BellyTank]

...maybe that 'no-call number' is a scam that gets the 'marketers' a lot of 'free' mobile phone numbers- you give them the information-
you're actually registering on their calling list...
Clever marketing huh? spread the urban dis-information and reap the numbers-

I hate cell phones-

B
T

 

[Michaelson]

Bring back the telegraph, I always say. Regards. Michaelson

 

[zeus36]

Belly Tank is partly correct. There is a scam to get you to give up your phone number by telling you that you are signing up for the "Do not Call list"

goes like this:



Do Not Call List - Scam?

Telemarketing scam confuses the issue
As if telemarketing doesn't already have a bad enough name, now there is a scam that is using the "Do-Not-Call" list as a cover to rip you off. Although some states have had a do-not-call list in place, the federal government also has a National Do-Not-Call registry that will keep most telemarketers from calling you.
As can be expected, con artists have seen an opening in all of this and they are using it to pry personal information from consumer's. Here's how it works.
You receive a call from a person informing you of your rights under the Do-Not-Call list and will be asked if you want to be included on the registry. After all, placing your name on the list will help cut down on bothersome telemarketing calls and there is absolutely no charge to be included in the Do-Not-Call Registry.
If the scammer discovers you are already on the list, they will tell you that your information needs to be updated to assure that your name stays on the list.
Once the con artist has gained your trust, you will eventually be asked for personal information such as birth date, banking numbers, or credit and debit card information. As you can imagine, seniors are a prime target for this.
The Federal Trade Commission warns that even if your information would need to be updated at some point, you will never be asked for personal information such as your social security number or credit card numbers. They also warn that no third-party individual or agency will ever call asking if you want to register for the list. The FTC goes on to say:
"The FTC will not allow private companies or other such third parties to "pre-register" consumers for the National Do Not Call Registry. Web sites or phone solicitations that claim they can or will register a consumer's name or phone number on a national list especially those that charge a fee are a scam. Consumers are able to register directly, or through some state governments, but never private companies. The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service of the federal government."
Adding your name to the National Do-Not-Call Registry is a smart move and is well worth the time. You can sign up through the official website at Donotcall.gov or call them toll free at 1-888-382-1222. If you believe you have been scammed or have received a call from someone wanting to register your number, you can file a complaint with the FTC on their website at www.ftc.gov