LAYTON -- According to a popular chain e-mail, cell phone users will be bombarded by telemarketers unless they immediately register their cell number on the National Do Not Call list.
That is not the case.
Francine A. Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, announced this week that the Utah Division of Consumer Protection has received several reports that a fake e-mail is circulating that informs recipients that unless they register their cell phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry this month, their information will be published to telemarketers.
"This cell phone e-mail is an urban myth that keeps resurfacing every few months," Giani said.
"Family and friends may think they are forwarding you useful information, (but) there is no deadline and your cell phone number won't be given to telemarketers if you don't act."
According to the Federal Trade Commission, which houses the National Do Not Call Registry, while cell phone numbers can be placed on the registry, Federal Communications Commission regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers.
Jennifer Bolton, a public information officer with the UDC, said the e-mail lists a link and phone number for the FCC that are accurate, but the time limit warning is false.
"The concern from our standpoint was the fear factor," she said.
Bolton said some chain e-mails provide links for scammers to gain personal information or allow viruses to attack your computer.
"It's still a good idea to be careful what e-mail you forward, and you shouldn't click on links when you don't know the source (of the link)," she said.
Utahns are encouraged to register their phone numbers with the National Do Not Call registry by logging on to www.donotcall.gov and choosing "Register a Phone Number."
Users will be instructed to enter their phone number and e-mail address connected to the registry.
Consumers also can obtain the same information by calling 888-382-1222.
Phone numbers that are placed on this registry do not expire, thanks to legislation passed in 2007.
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