The “Do Not Call” list is every consumer’s favorite registry. The goal of the “Do Not Call” registry is to allow people to access one place where they can decline telemarketing calls across the board, instead of asking each individual caller to cease contact. This worked for a long time, and then the robocalls started. Chances are, even if you’re on the “Do Not Call” list, you’re still receiving automated calls.
Debt Collection Harassment Attorney in Tampa Covers “Do Not Call” List Basics
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has prohibited automated calls for telemarketing purposes. However, there are exceptions to the restriction. Political calls are allowed, although they must identify the caller and may not represent that the calls are made on behalf of another party without written approval.
Messages that are informational are also legal. You can receive a robocall reminding you of an appointment, or informing you that school is delayed. They cannot attempt to sell or solicit you during the message. A business contacting you to collect a debt can also use similar technology. However, there are strict restrictions on the type of message that can be relayed, and where they can contact you. A debt collection harassment attorney in Tampa can help walk you through your rights in detail.
Charities, banks, telephone carriers, and utility companies may also make automated calls, but may not go through a third party. The call needs to come directly from the organization.
The major reason that the “Do Not Call” list hasn’t saved you from robocalls is scammers and possibly invalid debt collectors making illegal phone calls. Spam callers are consistently finding new ways to get around rules, laws, and tracking. The financial impact is staggering. Americans have spent hundreds of millions of dollars due to phone fraud, which means that these calls are more than just an annoyance.
If you get a robocall, hang up the phone. Don’t respond in any way. Telemarketers could easily change their number, so sometimes blocking the call or speaking to your phone company won’t stop the caller. If the robocall is from a debt collector, make sure you do not respond to the debt without counsel.
Robocallers are a serious issue. Help to stop this harassment by taking action. Some attorneys specialize in debt collection harassment and are well-versed in FTC law. Make sure you contact a debt collection harassment attorney in Tampa, or speak to the Federal Trade Commission about what you can do to stop robocalls from contacting you.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
