If you are receiving endless phone calls from telemarketers, there is a series of steps you can take to prevent them from ever calling you again.
First, you can sign up for the National Do Not Call List. All you have to do to sign up is call the following toll-free number (888-382-1222) with the line you wish to put on the Do Not Call List. You can also register multiple lines at https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx. You are free to put as many personal or residential lines on the Do Not Call List as you want including your cell phone, all at no charge. Further, your phone number will never be removed from the list without your permission. Companies are required to check the Do Not Call List every 31 days to ensure no one on the list is on their call lists, so it may take up to 31 days to stop receiving calls. Charitable Organizations, Political Candidates, and Surveys are exempt from having to check the Do Not Call List.
Second, despite the requirement to check the list, the Federal Trade Commission has reported a steady decline in businesses checking the list. If you are still receiving multiple unwanted telemarketing calls from businesses which you have had no contact with, you may be entitled to pursue them for violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) for up to $500 for each violation.
Violations of TCPA include:
- Calls placed before 8 am or after 9 pm, local time
- Calls to Consumers on the Do Not Call List
- Failing to identify the person or entity on whose behalf the call is being made, and failing to provide a telephone number or address for where they can be contacted.
- Using an artificial voice or recorded message
If you believe that you have suffered any of the above violations, speak with the lawyers at Kirtland & Packard, LLP for a free initial consultation. We can be reached at 310-536-1000 and serve clients in Redondo Beach and throughout the South Bay area.