An inaccurate message about the National Do Not Call Registry is making rounds through email and Facebook.  The message suggests that mobile phone users need to register their cell numbers or they will be released to telemarketers.

There are two glaring errors in the message:

FALSE:  “all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls....YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS”

TRUTH:  This is absolutely untrue and an urban legend.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will not release phone numbers to telemarketers.

FALSE:  “[The Do Not Call list]…blocks your number for five (5) years”

TRUTH:  Your phone number will not expire from the list in five years.  Numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on the list permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 (which became law in February 2008).

The phone number given in the message (888-382-1222) is the actual number for the Do Not Call Registry.  The FTC asks you to call that number from the phone line you wish to add to the list.  You can also register that number at www.donotcall.gov.

DATCP suggests that you avoid clicking on links from unsolicited (or forwarded) emails due to the possibility of being routed to fraudulent websites.  Instead, enter the FTC’s website address manually in your browser.

In addition to the FTC's national list, Wisconsin residents can also register for the State of Wisconsin’s Do Not Call list by visiting the DATCP website at datcp.wi.gov or calling toll-free 1-866-9NO-CALL (1-866-966-2255).

***

“Here is the info on getting your cell phones on the no call list.

REMINDER..... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:

888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time.. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON. It takes about 20 seconds.

https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx”