The OneMinute Geek

Hoax emails

The Problem:

Lately I have received a handful of email warning people to add their cell phone numbers to the federal “Do Not Call” list or risk the wrath of telemarketers. How is one to know whether a forwarded email from a well-meaning friend or colleague is actually true or not?

The Solution:

That particular email actually incorrect. Your cell phone number is safe from telemarketers even if you do not sign up on the “Do Not Call” list because—at least for the near term—federal law prohibits telemarketers from dialing cell phone numbers.

It’s unclear where the hoax email originated but it seems to have been circulating the Net for about a year now, not long after several wireless carriers announced plans to start a national directory for mobile phone numbers. Since then, the carriers have faced a lot of negative publicity about the proposed directory and have since said only people who actually opt-in will be included.

In any case, you never know when a lobbyist may convince the government that telemarketing and calling cell numbers is good for the country, so it may not be a bad idea to go ahead and add your cell number to the list. You can do it anytime at: www.donotcall.gov.

To check the legitimacy of suspicious email, checkout Hoax Busters at http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/. The site actually make for good reading!

As a rule of thumb, be skeptical of everything on the Net. Remember spam is scum. And if it seems too good to be true, it’s probably is too good to be true.

For more information about safe computing for you and your family, make some time for www.getnetwise.org.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Send questions, comments and suggestions to help@supergeeks.net or call 942-0773.