If you’ve ever picked up a ringing phone only to hear a prerecorded voice crow about a sales offer that you simply can’t refuse, you’ve experienced the annoyance that led Congress to pass the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Although the TCPA was enacted in 1991, it hasn’t put an end to direct marketers’ telemarketing calls that invade your privacy and exasperate you. Thankfully, Congress gave the Federal Communications Commission broad authority to make rules to enforce the TCPA.
Periodically, the FCC updates the rules of the game. They did so in February 2012, making changes in response to continued consumer complaints about direct marketers who cross the line. Some of the changes will go into effect in late summer 2012, while others will take effect in spring 2013.
The other change on the TCPA front comes from the U.S. Supreme Court. A recent decision in Mims v. Arrow Financial Services said that a debt collection agency could be sued in federal court over violations of the TCPA. Consumers who sue can be awarded actual damages or $500 per call – and triple that if the caller knowingly and willfully violated the TCPA. The Supreme Court decision paves the way for many more consumers to stand up for their rights in federal court, as opposed to only being able to seek redress through state courts.
Click on the links below to learn more about the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
If you have been the victim of harassment or illegal or unfair debt collection practices, contact the Fair Debt Attorneys at Lemberg & Associates immediately to discuss your options and protect your rights. When you owe creditors money, you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as well as other federal and state laws. If a debt collector has violated your rights, you may be entitled to up to $1000 in damages, and they may even have to pay your attorney fees. Sergei Lemberg, and the attorneys at Lemberg & Associates have helped countless people to assert their legal rights with debt collectors. Don't be intimidated by illegal debt collection practices. For more information, contact
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