Could Cell Phone Numbers Be Going Public?

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Story Published: Sep 6, 2008 at 10:26 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:49 AM MST

By Veronica Cardenas

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POCATELLO - What if those pesky telemarketers could call your cell phone?

"So far I haven't seen my cell phone on any websites and I don't think it's available, says cell phone user Kath Ann Hendrickson.

That's what one e-mail is claiming. It also says that you should put your cell phone number on the national do not call registry or you will be charged for sales calls.

"My understanding from the e-mails, when I've checked with urban legends website, it's still not allowed to release cell phone numbers, explained Hendrickson."

The Federal Trade Commission says it illegal for telemarketers to call cell phones.

"However, when they are asking you to put cell phone numbers on the do not call list does give you the impression that it is possible, says Hendrickson.

But there is some truth to the e-mail, several wireless companies have created a 411 wireless service to pool their listings to create a comprehensive directory of cell phone names and numbers that would be made available to directory assitance providers.

"We do not sell any of the numbers, in fact when they sign up we give notification letter saying that we will not sell their info to anyone, all of their information if private, says cell phone dealer, Spencer Malegan.

This prompted the e-mail, but after speaking with local wireless companies I found that the 411 wireless service is a requested service. ..so will these telemarketers be calling your cell phone...probably not.

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