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Cell Phone Directory

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Getting someone's telephone number can be tough, since nearly one in eight households have dropped their landlines and are totally wireless.

But now, there's a first-of-its kind mobile phone directory but consumer advocates caution the directory could cost you. CBS 3's Liz Keptner has the story.

Need someone's cell phone number? You can't find it in the phone book … or by calling 411.

Now, a background checking company called Intelius has come out with its own directory of mobile numbers.

"The market demand for this cell directory has been enormous. Our transactions on the product literally have doubled in the last month and a half," Ed Peterson of Intelius said.

All you do is go to the cell directory on the company's web site. Type in a person's name and it'll show you what's available … like address, home phone or cell number.

You can also do a reverse search to see who a number belongs to. If you want to view the information, you pay about $15.

"The primary use for that service is a parent or someone trying to get information on who may be calling them or one of their loved ones," Peterson explained.

But, not everyone thinks the directory's a great idea. Consumer advocate Beth Givens said when it comes to cell phone numbers, there's an expectation of privacy since incoming calls use up minutes.

"Many people, if not most, pay for the receipt of calls to their cell phones and they want to have some control about who calls them," Givens said.

Intelius said if you don't want to be included, you can opt out.

Privacy is not the only issue. The wireless industry is concerned about accuracy, because the directory is compiled from marketing lists and public records, not information from the carriers themselves.

"Only the wireless carrier has accurate, up-to-date information. They're the ones that know who their current subscribers are," Joe Farren of CTIA - The Wireless Association said.

Intelius said if you get incorrect information during your search, refunds are given on a case by case basis.

To opt out of the cell phone directory:

Contact Intelius

Fax proof of identity to the customer service department at (425) 974-6194 or send a notarized form proving your identity to remove your public information to 'opt out' your public information we require faxed proof of identity such as a state issued ID card or driver's license (cross out the photo and driver's license number; we only need to see the name, address and date of birth).

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