Are you one of the many plagued by constant robo and other unwanted telephone calls? If so, you may think you have zero options to stop these calls, but that is not the case.
In 1991, Congress enacted the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to protect citizens from harassing phone calls, including those from debt collectors and telemarketers. Learning more about the Act may lead to a solution and possibly some financial compensation.
Facts about the TCPA
A 2012 update to the TCPA requires callers to obtain prior express consent before bombarding Americans with unwanted telephone calls. That means it is unlawful for telemarketers and others to call you unless you have given your permission.
Here are 5 other things U.S. citizens should know about the TCPA:
- The Act protects both private citizens and American businesses from unwanted calls.
- A 2015 amendment to the TCPA allows consumers to revoke any consent already provided.
- The Act prohibits businesses from using automatic dialing systems, artificial or prerecorded voices or text messages to contact consumers.
- Consumers harmed by “robocallers” and telemarketers may be eligible to sue the other party and obtain compensation for each unwanted call.
- The Act may also apply to harassing debt collection phone calls.
Unfortunately, some unwanted calls are exempt from TCPA protection. For example, businesses may retain the right to call established customers.
Steps to take
If you want to end unsolicited telephone calls, there are some steps you should take. First, place your name and number on the national Do Not Call registry. This step can help establish that you tried to resolve the matter yourself.
Next, consider speaking with someone who understands consumer protection laws in Minnesota and the rest of the country. Together, you can prepare a case for potential compensation and, perhaps most importantly, stop receiving constant, unwanted telephone calls.
