'Do Not Call' law bars telemarketing calls to cell phones

As cell phones receive an increasing number of telemarketing calls, the New York State Consumer Protection Board reminds consumers that the "Do Not Call" Telemarketing Registry also protects cellular telephones from unwanted sales calls.

"Even if you've already registered your home telephone number, you can register your cell number for protection against unwanted sales calls," said Teresa A. Santiago, Chairperson and Exeuctive Director of the Consumer Protection Board ("CPB").

"A single phone call to 1-888-382-1222 or by vitisting the CPB's website at www.nysconsumer.gov, will let you register your cell phone for protection under both state and federal law," said Santiago. "There's no charge to register and adding a cell number will not affect the protection you already have on your home telephone line."

"The 'Do Not Call' program has always included cellular telephones but many people don't know this. And that's been just fine with many telemarketers because they would like to send more sales calls to cell phones," Santiago said.