Unwanted messages sent to wireless phones and other portable devices can be intrusive and costly. In 2003, Congress enacted the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act to curb spam. As required by the Act, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules that prohibit sending unwanted commercial e-mail messages to wireless devices without prior permission. This ban took effect in March 2005.

FCC rules prohibit sending unwanted text messages to your wireless phone number if they are sent using an autodialer or if you have placed that number on the National Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov). The FCC's ban does not cover "short messages" typically sent from one mobile phone to another or that do not use an Internet address.

If you receive unwanted text messages on your cell phone, you may file a complaint with the FCC by e-mail (fccinfo@fcc.gov), the Internet (www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html), or telephone 1-888-225-5322.

Include the following information:

- your name, address and daytime telephone number;

- telephone number at which you received an unsolicited commercial message or call, or an autodialed call;

- as much information about the message as possible, including the date/time received; identity of the company sending the message; products/services promoted; street addresses, or telephone numbers that may be referenced in the message; a description of any contact you may have had with the entity that sent the message, including whether you have done business with that entity before receiving the message/call; and any steps you may have taken to reject future messages.

According to the Mountain States Better Business Bureau you can reduce phone spam by doing the following:

- Put your wireless phone number on the Do Not Call Registry, and distribute it sparingly.

- Don't display your wireless phone number in public.

- Check the privacy policy when submitting your wireless phone to any Web site. Find out if the policy allows the company to sell your information.

- Contact your wireless service or Internet service provider about unwanted messages. Be aware that your provider may be charging you for all text messages you receive, including unwanted ones.

For general information on this and other telecommunications-related issues, contact the FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at www.fcc.gov/cgb or call the Consumer Center at 1-888-Call-FCC.

Additional tips for consumers can be found at www.mountainstates.bbb.org, or call the Better Business Bureau at 800-564-0371.