Sad, Sad News (Cell Phones & Telemarketers)

[Greenday]

In case any of you haven't heard, telemarketers will soon be getting their new batch of phone numbers. This year, all of our cell phone numbers are being released this year. My mom told me about it so I just added my cell # to the Do Not Call List. When you call, they even have a small announcement about our cell numbers being given to telemarketers this year. So, be prepared.

[smileyeagle1021]

one thing I love about my phone (sense some telemarketers can already call cell phones if it's a number of a current customer) is that sense it has the custom ring back the automatic dialer assumes it's a misdial and hangs up :D

[PCGameGuy]

Nope, still not true. :) Cell phone companies have not, nor will they compile a number database that could be used for telmarketing purposes. The FCC specifically prohibits telemarketing calls to cell phones due to incoming calls being charged to the consumer. The law actually prohibits automatic dialers, but since the days of the 'operator pool' manually calling out is long gone it effectively eliminates all telemarketers. Lastly, the FTC, keepers of the Do Not Call List, have said they do not now, nor do they see in the future, a time when they will need cell phones on the list with the current laws in place.

Are telemarketers calling cell phones anyway? Sure they are, but it is a federal crime and should be reported to the FCC every time it happens. They even have a convienent page on the website to report these violations. :)

I recommend not putting your cell phone number on any list or form, as it is just one more place someone might find it and use it unscrupulously.

As always, when it sounds like an unbelievable deal or the end of civilization, check www.snopes.com. :)

[Broomjockey]

Here's the specific one PC's referencing.

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

[Ree]

I read an article (http://technology.sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/News/ContentPosting?newsitemid=tech-scam&feedname=CBC-TECH-SCIENCE-V3&show=False&number=10&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=True&paginationenabled=false) about that just this morning.

The scam is that people will call to register their cell phone with what they think is the Do Not Call Registry, but in reality, is potentially just a way for someone to collect cell phone numbers.

[Kiwi]

I had my new cell numbe for THREE days and got two calls in one night

the best thing about not being a citizen is it stops them in their tracks. I say "before you go any further do you need to be a citizen to get this deal" the answer is usually yes.... then I cheerfully explain that I am not one and wont be one for at least 5 years so call back then.

click.

[Evil Queen]

Not that it matters, but my number is already on the Do Not Call list.

I'd like to know why people can't just hit the "ignore" button when it comes to unknown callers?

[feedyourfeet]

due to incoming calls being charged to the consumer.

That is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever heard.

[Broomjockey]

That is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever heard.

Then either you don't live in North America, or you don't have a cell phone, as that's been the standard for years. A cell phone is charged based on the duration of the conversations held, regardless of where they originated from. It prevents "gaming the system" of calling someone who has Caller ID and unlimited calling, hanging up before they answer, and then they call you back, thus avoiding any charges.

[One-Fang]

I don't know how widespread it is, but I am glad it's one aspect of the telephone game that hasn't made it here. You are charged for what YOU do with your number, not what other people might do with your number. All calls and txts are charged to the sender only.

[Broomjockey]

Well, supposedly the big reason is that North America is huge, but not as densely populated as other regions of the world. That means maintaining the network is costlier, but has a smaller potential user base, so additional funds are required for maintenance and upgrading.

Now, any further discussion of whether that's the actual reason, whether it's a good reason, or how good or bad it is compared to systems in other regions is better discussion for Fratching.

[Ljt09863]

the local news has on their website the Wisconsin do no call list. they have it for cell phones as well.