If your phone rings with spam calls or unwanted text messages, you are not alone. Some calls are just a nuisance. Others may feel like harassment. These calls, commonly referred to as robocalls, are not only stressful and but possibly a violation to your consumer rights.
What is a robocall?
Robocalls are automated calls used by a computerized auto dialer to deliver a pre-recorded or artificial voice message. Sometimes the call may come from a live person. While some calls or texts, like appointment reminders, are legal with consent, most unsolicited sales robocalls are illegal.
Federal Law: Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
The TCPA limits how companies can call and text you. The law focuses on robocalls, which often are calls that use a recorded or automated voice. It also applies when companies use automatic dialing systems to send out large numbers of calls or texts at once—even if there is a live person calling you.
Whether calls come from telemarketers, debt collectors, or even well-known businesses, if they break the law, they can be held responsible. The TCPA authorizes penalties of $500 to $1500 for each illegal call or text.
Consumers must provide consent for Robocalls
In most cases, companies must obtain your express prior consent, or have an established business relationship, to make automated communications with you. If you did not provide permission to receive these types of calls, they are not allowed to call or text you. If you have informed the company to stop contacting you, they are to stop calling or texting. If they continue contact, there may be a violation of your consumer rights.
Important Steps to Take
If you are getting unwanted calls or texts, take the following steps:
1) Tell the caller to stop contacting you.
2) Save text messages or take screenshots of all contact.
3) Create a log of all contact showing dates, time of day, name of caller, etc.
4) Write to the caller and request their contact with you stop.
5) Do not share personal information with unknown callers.
Seek Qualified Legal Help
Flitter Milz will evaluate robocalls that have been placed to you. We will review the steps you’ve taken to get the calls to stop and determine how to hold the caller accountable.
CONTACT US:
Toll Free: 888-668-1225
Email: consumers@consumerslaw.com
