The US Amber Alerts system distributes messages to selected media and web resources. This is done whenever children are abducted, and selected criteria, set by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, are met.

To help in this effort you can choose to receive such alerts over your cell phone. Note that your cell phone provider may charge you for text messages if you are not under an unlimited plan; check with your mobile phone provider for details. However, according to the FAQ:

"Will my carrier charge me for receiving Wireless AMBER Alerts?

No. The carriers who are participating in the Wireless AMBER Alerts Initiative have entered into an agreement with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that requires them to provide these alerts at no additional cost to consumers. Your wireless phone must be capable of receiving text messages (virtually all recent models qualify) and your service plan must include basic message receipt capability. If you have any questions, you should contact your wireless carrier."

Wireless Amber Alerts - http://www.wirelessamberalerts.org

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