Squelching that cell-phone rumor

There's been a rumor circulating for several years that cellular phone numbers are going public one day soon -- and you need to hurry up and register your mobile on the Do Not Call Registry.

It's not true, which Snopes confirms.

But don't let that stop you from registering that phone number.

Joining the list helps reduce unwanted telemarketing calls to home and cellular phone numbers. It's free and -- thanks to a law that took effect in February -- permanent.

Already registered but still getting hassled? The California attorney general's Web site also lets you file complaints about persistent calls.