A new Indiana law goes into effect today enabling residents of that state to add their cell phone numbers to Indiana's already existing state “do not call” list. Indiana governor Mitch Daniels signed the law into effect Friday, May 13. Hoosiers who add their numbers to the list by midnight tonight, Tuesday, will be protected beginning July 1, 2011 reported Fox News affiliate Fox 59.

The Indiana state “do not call list” legislation – originally created for residential numbers – was altered with this new legislation to reduce the number of telemarketing calls cell phone and VoIP users receive. The list is also expected to help the Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller's office investigate telemarketers who violate the “do not call” restrictions.

“Tens of thousands of new numbers have been added to the list in just a few days and with the high volume of calls we wanted to ensure that everyone who was interested had the chance to register on this first opportunity to add cell and VOIP numbers,” said Attorney General Greg Zoeller. “This shows once again that Hoosiers cherish their personal rights to telephone privacy, rights that I will fight to protect from both the nuisance of unwanted calls and the scammers who seek to defraud the people of this state,” Zoeller added.

Cell phone or users of Internet-based phone service can add their numbers to list online or by calling 888-834-9969. The Indiana state “do not call” list is updated four times annually, so if users miss the midnight Tuesday deadline, they can still sign up to make the October list.

Tracey Schelmetic is a contributing editor for TechZone360. To read more of Tracey's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Carrie Schmelkin