Your phone rings during dinner, and a recorded voice tries to sell you something. The next day, the same pitch comes from another number. Soon, you might stop answering unfamiliar numbers, even when you expect an important call.
Mass telemarketing may violate federal law when callers contact you without proper consent, call at restricted times or misuse caller ID. These rules also cover some campaigns that businesses run through outside marketing firms.
How businesses reach so many people
You might assume someone dials your number each time. Instead, businesses often hire marketing firms that use software to contact large groups of people. Some systems play recorded messages, while others send texts or connect you to a salesperson.
These firms may use several phone numbers or work with vendors in different states. That explains why the same offer sometimes comes from unfamiliar numbers. The seller could also bear responsibility for unlawful calls, depending on its role in the campaign.
When sales calls break federal rules
Getting several sales calls does not automatically mean someone broke the law. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), businesses must obtain your prior written consent for sales calls that use recorded or artificial voices, unless an exemption applies. Certain texts sent through automatic dialing systems also require that consent.
Federal rules restrict sales calls to your home before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your local time, unless you gave prior consent. Minnesota sets a later 9 a.m. starting time for covered sales calls. Some calls might also violate the rules if your number appears on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Caller ID matters too. Telemarketers must transmit identifying information, though they may use the seller’s customer service number. A separate federal law prohibits knowingly using false caller ID with intent to defraud, cause harm or wrongfully gain something of value.
Keeping records of unwanted calls
If calls continue, you may want to keep your call history and any messages you receive. Noting when you asked callers to stop could also help establish what happened. Those records offer a starting point for reviewing your rights under federal consumer calling laws.