The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) has been around since 1991. The TCPA restricts telephone solicitations and the use of automated telephone equipment. Specifically, the TCPA limits the use of automatic dialing systems, prerecorded voice messages, and unsolicited text messages. Today, consumers receive more robocalls and unsolicited text messages than ever. Technology is the reason. Companies use autodialers to send out thousands of phone calls and text messages every minute for an incredibly low cost.
- What is a Robocall? If you pick up the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, that’s a robocall. Similarly, if someone leaves you a prerecorded message, that’s a robocall, too. If the recording is a sales message, and you haven’t given your written permission to get calls from the company on the other end, then the call is illegal. Period.
- Robocalls to Cellphones: Robocalls made to a cellphone are usually illegal unless you give consent to receive the call by giving the number as contact information. It is not necessary that you be charged for the call. The prohibition extends to telemarketing and collection calls.
- You May be Entitled to Money: Get $500.00-$1,500.00 for illegal robocalls, text messages, and faxes.
