Dear Neighbors,

Several constituents have expressed concern that their cell phones may be
bombarded soon with unwanted telemarketing calls and text messages. Some have
even received e-mails warning that telemarketing calls will increase because of
a new cell phone number database.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, this is not the case:
 
First, Federal Communications Commission regulations prohibit telemarketers
from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Since automated dialers
are standard in the industry, most telemarketers don't call cell phones without
the customer's consent.
 
Second, we can register our cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call
Registry to protect ourselves from unsolicited calls and text messages, unless
we have given consent to the sender or have a business relationship with him.
 
Here's the link to register wireless (and land-line) phone numbers on the
FTC's Do Not Call List: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx
 
Hope this information is helpful.

Susan W. Krebs
Delegate, District 9B