Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today said that he is continuing his investigation into several specific companies that obtain and sell personal cellular phone records, including a listing of calls consumers make from their phones.

Cellular carriers typically do not make consumers' personal cell phone records public. The attorney general's office launched an investigation in recent months after learning through published reports and consumer complaints that several companies have been obtaining such records and selling them through Internet sites. He said that he will also investigate any carriers that sell such information.

Blumenthal announced the ongoing investigation today after receiving a legislative inquiry. Blumenthal said his investigation indicates the practice is already illegal - specifically, the manner in which such companies reportedly obtain personal cellular records, such as by impersonating consumers.

"This threatened misuse of cell phone records is insidious, invasive and illegal," Blumenthal said. "It creates grave risk of financial cost and physical harm to all cell phone consumers - particularly law enforcement. This practice may allow unauthorized access to law enforcement officers' cellular phone records by individuals seeking confidential information concerning investigations. Selling this intensely personal information - a list of calls consumers make on their private cellular phones - is invasive and illegitimate.

"My office has an aggressive, ongoing investigation - and will take any action appropriate to pursue any company illegally obtaining and profiting from personal cell phone records. I strongly urge any consumer victimized by this practice to immediately contact my office. I welcome the interest of the state senators in this significant issue.

Consumers may contact Blumenthal's office at 860-808-5400, or by mail at 55 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06141.