The practical consequences of telemarketing regulation and the outcomes of telemarketing litigation often turn on how key terminology in regulatory legislation and rules is interpreted. As seen with the ongoing debate over how to interpret the Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s (TCPA) definition of “automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS),” this can be an issue even with terms that are explicitly defined in federal statutes. For a term such as “robocall” that lacks a clear definition, this can be significantly more complicated.
Tag: Thought Leadership
Is the TCPA Only for Cell Phones?
The TCPA regulates all sorts of telemarketing activity, including calls to every type of phone number. This article will explain how the TCPA’s restrictions on the use of an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) to call cell phone numbers fits into the law’s overall regulatory framework.
What Is TCPA Express Consent?
The most essential rule for avoiding Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) violations is to obtain the express consent of the called party before placing automated calls, text messages, or faxes. There are two kinds of consent: prior express consent and prior express written consent. Which kind of consent is required of a caller varies depending on the purpose of the call or text. But some sort of consent is always required.
What Is TCPA Compliance?
This article will explain the main provisions of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) with which callers must comply, outline why compliance is so important, and offer some best practices for compliance.
What Are the Penalties Associated with TCPA Violations?
While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and state attorneys general also have enforcement powers, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is primarily enforced through its private right of action, allowing individuals to bring suit under the law. The original intent was for this right to be enforced in small claims court.… Continue reading What Are the Penalties Associated with TCPA Violations?
TCPA vs. DNC
Telemarketing compliance is made difficult by the byzantine nature of telemarketing regulations. Any marketer can be forgiven for struggling to keep track of the varying levels of laws, regulatory agencies, and other enforcement mechanisms. However, there are two acronyms that loom large enough in the regulatory landscape that everybody knows them, even if they don’t really understand what they mean: TCPA and DNC.
Top 5 TCPA Traps
TCPA litigators and serial plaintiffs want to infiltrate your marketing campaigns. Their modus operandi involves taking advantage of unsuspecting marketers and well-intentioned companies who may not know that they are required to abide by the TCPA.
Who Needs a SAN?
Any company who is calling or texting is required by law to suppress phone numbers against the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. A SAN (Subscription Account Number) must be purchased and renewed annually in order to download the DNC registry. Many callers find the rules relating to and process for acquiring a SAN to… Continue reading Who Needs a SAN?
TCPA Risks for Political Campaigns
Some callers may be under the mistaken impression that political calls are exempt from the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This is not true. However, because political calls are not regulated in the same way as marketing calls it is important to understand the distinct character of TCPA regulations for political campaigns. This article outlines the regulations and requirements that govern this unique form of telephone solicitation.
Top 5 Risks for Inbound Calling Centers
Telemarketers must often navigate a minefield of risks. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), various Do Not Call (DNC) laws, and other regulatory statutes present a vast array of potential, costly violations. Ah, but you may be saying, “I only take inbound calls and all of these regulations apply to outbound… Continue reading Top 5 Risks for Inbound Calling Centers