TECHIE TIDBITS
Revisiting The "Do Not Call" Registry
by Darren W. Hood

My mobile phone was on my desk. It was set for silent. I saw some movement out of the corner of my eye and noticed that my phone was ringing. The screen showed that the call was coming from a toll-free number. I didn't recognize the number, but I also knew that something was odd. I decided to answer the phone anyway. When I answered the phone, a voice reflective of a bright-eyed, happy-go-lucky person was on the other end. The caller asked for me. I acknowledged. You don't need any more details, though, do you? The end of this story is obvious. It was…

A TELEMARKETER!!!!!

Have you ever experienced this? Most likely, you have. How about on your cell phone? Considering how much we pay for our mobile phone plans (especially extra minutes), the last thing anyone needs is to receive calls about offers for popular magazines or fantastic deals on timeshares.

Needless to say, I was extremely disgusted. A moment later, however, my memory kicked into gear. I remembered the "Do Not Call" Registry. I began to wonder if mobile phone numbers could be registered. Determined to protect myself from the potential flood of unwanted, extremely inconvenient, useless incoming calls, I visited the National Do Not Call Registry Web site.

During my visit (and the call I placed to register my mobile phone number), I learned a few interesting things, several of which are included in the list of facts below:

• You can register online or via phone.
• The National Do Not Call Registry accepts both mobile and land-line numbers.
• If you want to complete the process via phone, you are required to call from the number that you're registering.
• If you move and change your phone number, you'll need to register again.
• Telemarketers will be restricted from calling you 31 days following your registration.
• If a telemarketer calls, you can file a complaint against their organization. Please note that you'll need the name of the organization and their phone number in order to file a complaint.
• Registration in the program does not restrict calls from political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors.
• Interested in being removed from the list? You can delete your registration online.

Even if you registered before, you should keep track of your registration timeline. Placing your number on the Do Not Call list must be renewed every five years. Visit the National Do Not Call Registry today to register your phone numbers or learn more about the program.

You can visit the National Do Not Call Registry website at http://www.ftc.gov/donotcall.

Questions? Comments? Contact me today at editor@lakeshoreguardian.com.