Fact vs. Fiction on Telemarketing and Cell Phones -- Stumbo Provides Consumer Information On Cellular Phone Privacy Issues

FRANKFORT, KY (April 28, 2005) - Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced today that consumers do not need to register their cell phones on the no call list. It is illegal to make a telemarketing pitch to a cell phone.

“My Office of Consumer Protection has received numerous inquiries from across the state from people concerned about rumors that telemarketers can call personal cell phone numbers that will soon be published in a directory,” said Attorney General Stumbo. “Consumers express confusion regarding what is rumor and what is truth.”

RUMOR: Telemarketers can get cellular phone numbers from directory assistance.

FACT: By law, telemarketers are not permitted to call cellular phone users.

• Six national wireless companies (AllTel, AT&T Wireless, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint PCS, and T-Mobile) have banded together and hired Qsent, Inc. to produce a Wireless 411 service. Their goal is to pool their listings to create a comprehensive directory of cell phone customer names and phone numbers that would be made available by computer, not in print, only to directory assistance providers.
• Consumers must formally opt-in to have their number included and must be 18 years or older to do so.
• A privacy policy clearly outlining rights will be made available to consumers who choose to add their name to the directory.
• The benefit of inclusion in the directory will be for consumers who no longer maintain traditional land-line phone service entirely and instead utilize their cellular phone for all calls. The directory will allow their number to be public if they choose. An estimated five million customers who use only cellular phones currently pay to have their cell phone numbers listed in phone directories.
• Consumers may choose to have their number removed at any time. When removed, no residual personally identifiable information will remain anywhere.
• No fee will be charged for listing, for additions or deletions.
• No directory, either printed, electronic or on the Internet will exist in any form that is available to the general public. The database repository will not be used for any purpose except Wireless 411 and none of the data will be sold to telemarketers.

“Whether in the privacy of their own home, or when utilizing their cellular phone, Kentuckians deserve to have their privacy protected,” Stumbo said.

Anyone who has not added their home phone number to the Kentucky No Call list can do so by calling toll free 1-866-877-7867 or by visiting nocall.ky.gov.