Robocalls: What Can Be Done?

Robocalls 

Robocalls are autodialed or prerecorded messages made to your phone. If you answer the phone to a recorded message instead of a real person, it’s a robocall. Often made by telemarketers, they’re usually done without permission and interrupt your day. While robocalls can seem like a minor annoyance at times, they can also be a component of invasive scam tactics and cause more trouble than some may assume. 

Permitted Robocalls

Contrary to popular belief, not all robocalls are illegal. Robocalls are legal if the service has written permission from you. Companies that lawfully use robocalls need to provide clear information about its purpose. They also can’t force you to use their services via robocall if you specifically say so. The only exceptions to this include the following:

• Emergency calls
• Informational calls from your phone provider
• Calls about package delivery
• Calls warning the recipient about incoming collect calls from inmates
• Call from financial institutions and healthcare providers about time-sensitive matters

Illegal Robocalls

If you continue to receive robocalls many times a day or over the course of a week, particularly if you’ve asked the caller to stop, they are most likely illegal. Scammers and telemarketers do this to save money with low-overhead operations to make a quick buck. Some illegal robocalls can be hard to trace because they can originate from all over the world. 

How to Stop Illegal Robocalls 

Most robocalls are easy to avoid with annoyance being the biggest issue. Even so, some scammers use clever tactics to steal money or personal information from unsuspecting individuals. No matter what, all robocalls are illegal. If you’ve been scammed or are experiencing robocalls than normal, you’re entitled to take legal action. 

Research the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) 

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) limits unsolicited telemarketing calls and includes designated rules that prevent scams. Autodialed, prerecorded messages, calls, or text messages are also prohibited. Unless you’ve given the caller written permission, they cannot do the following:

• Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. 
• Refuse to give you important information like their organization, contact details, or name. 
• Call you if you have chosen to stop receiving calls or your name is on the Do Not Call List – click the link to verify you are registered on the list.

Revoke Consent

If you’d like to revoke robocall consent from a specific company, you should put it in writing. If you’ve given consent and changed your mind, you can still have it revoked. 

Opt Out of Specific Callers

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all callers to have an opt-out feature. It should always be announced during the automated menu and available throughout the call; this allows you to opt out of receiving future automated calls. 

Include Yourself in the National Do Not Call Registry

You’re allowed to add yourself to the National Do Not Call List. To do this, visit www.donotcall.gov or by calling 888-382-1222; this will permanently prohibit telemarketers from calling you in the future.

Contact a Consumer Rights Lawyer 

If you continue to receive unsolicited, pre-recorded, or autodialed calls, you’re entitled to take legal action. By working with a consumer protection lawyer, you may be able to file a suit if the caller is found to violate the TCPA.

We understand, it feels like scammers and robocalls are getting worse, and it can be frustrating/confusing to understand when your rights have been violated. 

Don’t feel helpless; our team of consumer rights lawyers have worked decades to seek damages from those unscrupulous scammers looking to fool consumers and make a quick buck. 

If you or a loved one have been targeted/harassed by robocalls, don’t feel powerless. Contact us to learn how we can help.