The Federal Communication Commission (FCC (News - Alert)) has issued a stern warning to anyone considering purchasing a cell phone jammer: they are highly illegal.

The FCC felt compelled to remind the public of this fact after a local Philadelphia news story went viral last week. The NBC station broadcasted a short expose on a bus passenger known only as Eric, who admitted to "taking the law into his own hands" by cranking up a cell phone jammer each time fellow bus passengers began yakking away on their mobile phones.

"A lot of people are extremely loud, no sense of just privacy or anything," he told the station. "When it becomes a bother, that’s when I screw on the antenna and flip the switch."

The device interferes with cellular signals and creates dead zones, making it impossible to complete a call in the close proximity to the jammer.

The story garnered national appeal from other frustrated commuters, eventually sending the term "cell phone jammer" up toward the top of Google's (News - Alert) list of trending topics.

Sensing the possibility of an influx of copycat jammers, the FCC tried to get out in front of the movement on Tuesday by issuing an official statement.

“In recent days, there have been various press reports about commuters using cell phone jammers to create a ‘quiet zone’ on buses or trains.” FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Michele Ellison noted in a statement. “We caution consumers that it is against the law to use a cell or GPS jammer or any other type of device that blocks, jams, or interferes with authorized communications, as well as to import, advertise, sell, or ship such a device. The FCC Enforcement Bureau has a zero tolerance policy in this area and will take aggressive action against violators.”

The FCC is probably less concerned with ensuring the freedom to bother fellow bus passengers, and more worried about disrupting 911 and other emergency phone calls. Federal officials noted that violators can receive fines of up to $112,500 for each offense.

Needless to say, Eric is probably glad he didn't provide his full name.