Four Phone Safety Tips

The world of modern technology has made it easier to locate long lost loves and elusive family members. But what if you don't want to be found? Keeping your private information private may seem like an unattainable goal today. It is important to understand the regulations that are in place to protect your privacy and to know how to exercise them when you must to keep your identity away from solicitors and others you don't want contact with any longer.

Landlines vs. Cell Phones

Landlines are the traditional phone numbers attached to the phone in your home. These numbers are usually a matter of public record unless you specify otherwise. Your landline phone will show up in phone books and through online directories.

On the other hand, the numbers for cell phones are not public information. Contrary to "news" reports that have been recently circulating, there is no current plan to create a new cell phone database. The only way people can get your cell phone number is if you give it out or post it on your social networking site. In this case, it is fair game.

Opt-Out Options

If you do not want your phone number to be included in online directories, you can exercise an opt-out option. The first step is to call your local phone company and tell them you don't want your phone number listed. Then, the footwork really begins. You will need to go to the online directories individually to see if your information comes up on the sites. If it does, you can email each company and ask to be taken off the list. Most directory websites provide a simple online form to complete for this purpose.

National Do Not Call Registry

If you are tired of solicitors ringing you at all hours of the day and night, you can also add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry. To register online, go to donotcall.gov and fill out the registration form. By law, solicitors are required to search this list every 31 days and remove any phone numbers that appear on this list. If you do get a phone call from a solicitor 31 days after your name appears on the registry, you can file a complaint about the company at the same website. The complaint will need to include the precise date of the call and the company's name or number.

You can register both your landline and your cell phone number with the registry. FCC regulations also ban telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phones because of the charges involved with cell phone use. This means that it is very unlikely your cell phone will be the target of these calls. However, if you want to err on the safe side, you can also register your cell number.

Other Regulations

The FCC has instituted other regulations to protect the general public from aggressive phone solicitors as well. According to the regulations, solicitors are only allowed to make calls between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. The person calling must immediately inform you about the company or charitable organization for whom he works. He also must disclose complete, honest information about the item he is selling and the terms of the sale. If a solicitor breaks any of these rules, you can report the call to the FCC.

It may seem like your personal information is available for all the world to see, thanks to Internet search availability today. However, there are still ways to protect your privacy, even in this age of technology.