Your Guide To Recognizing and Responding to Nuisance Calls
Unlawful calls are an unfortunate reality that many of us have to deal with. From robocalls promoting nonexistent products to scam calls designed to steal our personal information, these calls can be a major nuisance—and sometimes even a threat to our safety. In this blog post, learn about how to recognize unlawful calls, what you should do if you receive one, and when you should hire a lawyer to help you deal with the problem. How To Recognize Unlawful Calls Some of the most common types of unlawful calls include robocalls, telemarketing calls, and scam calls. Robocalls are automated calls that play a recorded message when you answer the phone. Telemarketing calls are calls from salespeople trying to sell you products or services, often from companies you have never heard of. Scam calls are calls from people posing as IRS agents, credit card companies, or other legitimate organizations in an attempt to steal your personal information. If you receive a call from someone you do not know and they are asking for personal information or trying to sell you something you do not want, it is probably an unlawful call. What To Do If You Receive an Unlawful Call If you receive an unlawful call, the first thing you should do is hang up. Do not engage with the caller, and do not give out any personal information. If the calls persist, you may want to consider contacting your phone company to block the number. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if the calls are particularly persistent or threatening. Keep a record of the date and time of the calls, as well as any information you can gather about the caller, such as their name or phone number....
Understanding Your Rights Against Debt Collector Calls
It's no secret that being in debt can be stressful and overwhelming. But what's even worse is receiving endless calls and letters from debt collectors. Their tactics can be intimidating, rude, and sometimes even illegal. The good news is that you have rights when it comes to debt collector calls. Whether you're dealing with debt collectors for the first time or have been for a while, it's important to know your rights to protect yourself from unfair and abusive collection practices. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the main federal law that outlines the rules debt collectors must follow. According to this law, debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you, use false or misleading statements, or threaten you with legal action they cannot take. Additionally, debt collectors must identify themselves when calling, provide information about the debt they are collecting, and give you the right to dispute the debt. What To Do When A Debt Collector Calls The first thing to do when a debt collector calls is to stay calm and make sure you are speaking with a legitimate debt collector. Ask for their name, the name of their company, and their address and phone number. Once you've confirmed that they are a legitimate debt collector, get the details of the debt they are trying to collect. Make sure to take notes of everything said during the call, including the date and time, the names of the people you spoke with, and their phone numbers. If the information they provided seems incorrect or you don't recognize the debt, you have the right to dispute the debt and ask for verification. Your Rights To Protection Under State Law In addition to the FDCPA, many states have their own laws and regulations that...
Telemarketing Abuse And Identity Theft: Legal Implications
In the digital age, where communication is abundant, telemarketing abuse has become a growing concern for individuals and businesses alike. Beyond the nuisance of unsolicited calls, the intersection of telemarketing abuse and identity theft raises significant legal implications. As a responsible business owner or consumer, it's crucial to understand the potential legal consequences for perpetrators engaging in these illicit activities. 1. Violation of Do-Not-Call Regulations One of the primary legal ramifications for telemarketing abuse is a violation of do-not-call regulations. Federal and state laws provide consumers with the right to opt out of receiving unsolicited calls. If your business engages in telemarketing without respecting these opt-out requests, you could face penalties and fines. Ensuring compliance with do-not-call regulations not only protects your business from legal repercussions but also fosters a positive relationship with potential customers who value their privacy. 2. Breach of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) The Telephone Consumer Protection Act , or TCPA, is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls and text messages. Violating TCPA regulations can result in severe legal consequences for businesses. As a business owner, it's crucial to be aware of the TCPA's provisions, including restrictions on auto-dialing systems, prerecorded messages, and sending unsolicited faxes. Failing to adhere to these regulations may lead to costly legal battles, including fines and potential damages awarded to affected individuals. 3. Identity Theft and Fraudulent Practices Telemarketing abuse often serves as a gateway for identity theft and fraudulent practices. Perpetrators may use deceptive tactics to extract sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals, such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or personal passwords. Engaging in identity theft is not only a criminal offense but can also result in civil liability. If your business is found to be complicit in facilitating identity theft through telemarketing...
Zombie Debts: What To Know
Zombie debts are those that debt collectors have no right to sue you for but can still try to get you to pay. Below are a few things to know about zombie debts. Forms of Zombie Debts Zombie debts come in different ways. Below are a few examples. Old Debts State law determines how long a creditor has to instigate debt collection processes, like lawsuits. In Washington, a creditor has a maximum of six years (after the last payment or default) to file debt-collection lawsuits. However, some creditors might continue to harass you and threaten you with lawsuits even after the statute of limitations expires. Settled Debts Settled debts are those that you have paid off. Say you borrow $10,000 with the agreement that your total repayment will be $11,000 (the extra $1,000 being interest and other charges). Your debt is over once you clear the $11,000. Any amount the creditor might demand above that is zombie debt. Discharged Debts The government uses bankruptcy law to give individuals and businesses a fresh financial start when they cannot service their debts. A creditor cannot use debt collection methods against you after a bankruptcy discharge. However, you might face such efforts even after a bankruptcy discharge. Other People's Debts Ideally, everyone should be responsible for their debts. Thus, you are a victim of zombie debt collection if a creditor harasses you for debts you do not owe. Causes of Zombie Debts Zombie debts have both intentional and unintentional causes. Below are a few examples. Identity Theft Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name and credit card number, without your permission. In this context, a criminal may steal your identity and take out loans in your name. If that happens, the creditors might come after you to collect the...
How To Save Your Older Relatives From the Clutches of Telemarketing Harassment
Aggressive sales tactics used by unscrupulous telemarketers can snare seniors who don't know any better. The aggression can quickly turn into harassment if the telemarketing company thinks it's found an easy mark. Even if the senior is mentally sharp as a tack, the harassment can be distressing if they don't know how to stop it. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) has strict guidelines that telemarketers have to follow. Obviously, scammers aren't going to follow them, but the TCPA gives you a way to get back at the scammers. If you realize that your elderly relative is being harassed and targeted by a telemarketer or ten, you need to act quickly to find out what stage the harassment is at. You also need to get those calls nixed immediately, and you'll have to follow a few steps to do so. Stop Answering the Calls The first thing to do is get your relative to stop answering the calls. If they've already done that, great. But if you have a relative who has the mindset that phone calls should be answered and that letting a call go to voicemail would be rude, you'll need to do some convincing. Show that relative articles about telemarketing scams and the massive increase in scam calls over the past few years. Let the relative know that everyone is getting these calls and that it's actually OK to not answer. If the relative insists on answering, you'll need to speak with a lawyer about what to do regarding taking control of the phone temporarily—or you'll need to speak with a lawyer who can stop the calls before the relative gets into any more trouble. By the way, if your older relatives are healthy, don't assume nothing's wrong. Check in with them and see if they're having...
How Telemarketers Obtain Personal Information
Robocalls have surged, affecting most Americans who own mobile phones. Methods for obtaining phone numbers have become more malicious, despite the Better Business Bureau's advice to be cautious with sharing personal information. Here are the main ways telemarketers obtain your personal information. Credit Requests When you apply for credit, whether it's for major purchases or something as small as household appliances, you willingly share your personal information with the credit provider. This information exchange occurs because credit applications require you to furnish various details about yourself to assess your creditworthiness. While this process may seem innocuous, it opens up the door for potential misuse of your data. Credit providers often entice individuals with attractive offers such as 0% financing, immediate spending power, and discounts to encourage them to apply for credit. These tempting incentives serve as bait to lure people into sharing their personal information without much thought. However, unbeknownst to many, this valuable data holds significant commercial worth. Once the credit providers have acquired your personal information, they may exploit it for financial gain. They can sell and resell your name, address, phone number, and spending history to third parties—including marketing agencies and data brokers. This practice not only compromises your privacy but also exposes you to targeted advertising and potential solicitation. Restaurant Waiting Lists Restaurants have a longstanding tradition of incorporating technology into the dining experience, making it more convenient and efficient for patrons. Over time, they have introduced innovations such as digital menus on tablets and even serving food on iPads, aiming to enhance customer engagement. However, beneath the surface, a troubling and harmful trend is emerging, one that remains hidden from the average diner's perspective. This practice revolves around the seemingly innocuous act of customers providing their mobile numbers to restaurant waitlist apps. When you willingly...
A Step-By-Step Guide To Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts
In today's digital age, unwanted robocalls and texts have become a pervasive nuisance for many individuals. These automated calls and messages, often promoting scams or telemarketing, can disrupt our daily lives, invade our privacy, and potentially lead to financial loss or identity theft. Fortunately, you can take steps to regain control and minimize the impact of these unwanted communications. This comprehensive guide will explore effective strategies to stop robocalls and texts. Register Your Number Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted robocalls and texts. It's a centralized platform where you can opt out of telemarketing calls. It works for both landlines and mobile phones. However, not all unwanted calls will stop after registering. Some calls, like those from political organizations or charities, are exempt. Take Advantage of Call-Blocking Tools Most smartphones offer call-blocking features that filter and block unwanted calls. You can access this feature through your phone's settings or by contacting your mobile service provider. You can create a list of numbers to block or automatically block calls from unknown numbers by enabling call blocking. Numerous third-party apps for iOS and Android devices can automatically identify and block spam calls using advanced algorithms and databases of known spam numbers. Be Wary of Sharing Your Number Avoid unnecessarily providing your number, especially when signing up for online services or purchasing. Read privacy policies carefully, and opt out of sharing your information whenever possible. Limiting your phone number's exposure can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted robocalls and texts. Report Unwanted Calls and Texts Make a habit of reporting unwanted calls and texts to the appropriate authorities. Your reports contribute to a database that helps law enforcement track down and take action against violators. Additionally, you can report unwanted calls to your mobile...
4 Ways Telemarketers and Scammers Retrieve Your Phone Number
Phone numbers are the keys to accessing the world of communication, which is why telemarketers and scammers view them as valuable information. While they might seem to appear out of thin air, telemarketers and scammers have several clever methods of retrieving your number than you may realize. Learn four ways these organizations may have obtained your phone number and how you can help protect yourself. 1. 800, 888, or 900 Numbers The Automatic Number Identification (ANI) framework can record your contact details whenever you dial an 800, 888, or 900 number. ANI will save your number and use it to find additional identifiers in the cloud that belong to you. This process occurs without asking for your approval. Once a telephone company has your number, they can access other promotional databases to obtain additional information about you, like your full name, residence, income, and other credentials. Thus, telemarketers can get the information and use it to harass you with messages and phone calls. If you must call one of these telephone numbers, always do so from a separate phone. 2. Restaurant Reservations Diners at busy establishments frequently utilize waitlist apps to secure a table. In most cases, the app will retain the customer's phone information so that they can receive alerts on their mobile device once their desired reservation time becomes available. Unfortunately, the terms of service of many waitlist apps allow them to reuse, distribute, or even sell this information to third parties inside and outside their ecosystem. These waitlist applications can provide telemarketers with a wealth of personally identifiable information. Telemarketers frequently use this information without the customer's knowledge or permission to contact them and try to sell them something. Data scraping refers to this type of illicit data collection that leads to frustration for the target audience....
A Quick Guide to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991
The TCPA is a statute the Senate enacted to protect consumers from voice calls, texts, and other forms of telemarketing communication. This law also restricts using prerecorded voice messages and automatic dialing systems and collection systems. If you feel a telemarketing company has violated this rule, you may file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. While this act was signed into law in 1991, it has changed in response to the times. Provisions of the TCPA The TCPA prohibits telemarketing companies or solicitors from making calls to homes before 8 am or after 9 pm. This law also requires that these companies keep a do-not-call list of consumers who have specified that they do not want to be called. This request must, in turn, be honored for five years. This was later amended to be more permanent. When these companies make a call, the telemarketers must let the recipient know who they are making the call on behalf of and how the caller may be contacted. These companies are also not allowed to use recordings and artificial recordings. Further, these companies cannot make prerecorded voice calls to emergency lines such as hospital emergency lines or 911. The calls these companies make can also not engage more than a single business at a time. If these companies should violate the terms of the TCPA, a subscriber may sue the company for amounts up to $500 for every violation. The subscriber may also sue to recover the monetary loss, seek an injunction, or both. The Do Not Call Registry Congress delegated the do-not-call rules to the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC required companies to build their own databases. Initially, the FCC regulations were ineffective and could not stop these unsolicited calls, as the consumer had to request individual telemarketers to register them for...
What To Know About Robocalls
Robocalls are a growing annoyance for many people today. They come at all hours of the day and night and can be highly disruptive. However, few people understand how robocalls work or what qualifies as a robocall. In this blog article, we'll help you know the crucial details about robocalls and how to protect yourself against them. What Are Robocalls? Robocalls are autonomous phone calls that use a programmed autodialer to send a pre-recorded communication to a home landline or wireless number. Robocallers are the systems or machines used to make these calls. Robocalls can send messages that are both legal and illegal. Legitimate robocalls can give you essential information, like a medical alarm, a school closing, or a fraud warning from your bank. However, many scammers use robocalls as well. Scammers use these systems to try to sell services or products, say they have grants from the government, or even pretend to be from the internal revenue service (IRS). Scammers utilize tricks like "spoofing" to make the caller ID show a number that seems trustworthy. These new methods make it difficult to spot robocalls. Are Robocalls Legal? Rules from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) state that companies can create and use robocalls to provide information related to subscribed services like prescription reminders, talk about politics, or ask for charity donations. For a robocall to be lawful, it needs to say who makes the call and give the caller's phone number and address. Before making the call, it must also get your permission. However, some robocalls don't need your permission, such as informational messages, calls from debt collectors, calls from some healthcare providers, and charity messages. Charities must also allow you to opt out of getting calls in the future. The charity can provide you with this option via an...
4 Telemarketing Abuse Elements To Record for Your Lawyer
Life can be stressful if you have a debt and have fallen behind with payments due to financial challenges. The situation gets worse if a creditor hires a debt collector to pursue the amount you owe. While debt collectors can contact debtors, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) protects against phone harassment. Report any telemarketing abuse by a debt collector to a consumer law lawyer. When you do, your will attorney need critical information to build a strong case against a debt collector's defense. This post highlights vital materials to gather from telephone interactions with a debt collector and share with a lawyer. 1. Frequency of Telephone Calls A debt collector must violate the TCPA in order for a telemarketing abuse accusation to hold up in court or before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). However, some consumers are unaware of the new rules regarding debtor collector calls and unwittingly expose themselves to telemarketing harassment. The limits in the new guidelines give you control over the number of calls you receive to protect your privacy. Consumer lawyers need sufficient evidence to develop a compelling telemarketing harassment case. Therefore, information on the frequency of calls is vital in determining whether a case meets the threshold for abuse. Additionally, call records assist a lawyer to calculate the amount of compensation to receive from each illegal contact a debt collector makes. Fortunately, modern phones store call data for quick retrieval. 2. Auto-Dialed Calls The US debt collection industry is highly competitive. Therefore, companies use different tactics to stay ahead of rivals, including automatic telephone dialing systems. Auto-dial allows debt collectors to call multiple clients to maximize commissions and manage operational costs. However, automated calls are illegal under the TCPA, 47 USC section 227. Therefore, establish whether a debt collector has used the system to contact you. Although the...
What To Do When a Company Violates the TCPA and Calls You Unwantedly
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that controls telemarketing calls and text messages. If a company is violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by calling you repeatedly, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and stop the harassing calls. The steps below will help you protect your rights and stop unwanted calls. Keep a Record of the Calls When a company violates the TCPA by calling you repeatedly, it is critical to keep a record of the calls for future reference. It is best to keep track of the date and time of each call, the caller's phone number, and the nature of the call. This information will be helpful if you decide to sue the company because it will serve as proof of the unwanted calls. Furthermore, recording the calls can serve as even more substantial evidence, but make sure you are aware of your state's laws, as some states require the consent of both parties to record a call. Save a copy of any recordings or notes you make in a secure place where you can easily access them later. Request That the Company Stop Calling You Consumers have the right under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to request that a company stop calling them. You can ask the caller to stop calling you or send a written request to the company. The company must comply with a consumer's request to stop receiving calls. Keeping a copy of any correspondence is critical because it will come in handy later. It is also worth noting that you can ask the company to stop calling you whether or not you have an existing business relationship with them. Block the Caller's Number Many phone companies have a service that lets you block...
Student Debt Relief Scams: Questions and Answers
Student loan debt has become an uncomfortable or even debilitating reality for many Americans. Federal student loans account for $1.620 trillion of the $1.748 trillion in total debt carried by U.S. students and former students. Unfortunately, new debt forgiveness options have opened the door to a variety of debt forgiveness scams. Before you apply for federal student loan forgiveness, you need to understand the potential of getting scammed, the nature of such scams, and your legal options in case you do fall for a phony debt forgiveness offer. Start by studying the following questions and answers on this timely subject. Why Have Student Debt Relief Scams Proliferated? The Biden administration has issued a plan enabling massive student debt relief in the U.S. This plan applies to individuals who earn less than $125,000 and households that bring in less than $250,000 per year. People who hold Federal student loans may qualify for up to $20,000 in debt forgiveness, depending on the type of loan. Despite a temporary stay placed by a Federal appeals court, the administration continues to encourage individuals to apply for this form of student loan relief. Scam artists have taken this flurry of application interest and activity as their cue to lure these individuals into applying through them instead of the U.S. Department of Education. What Forms Do These Scams Commonly Take? Student debt relief scams typically deceive people by pretending to represent either their regular loan provider or the Federal government. These deceptions can take the form of an email, a phone call, or an online ad. In fact, scams make up 10 percent of the ads displayed in response to related Google searches. An email might direct you to click a link to a fraudulent application site asking you to supply personal financial information, while a phone caller might ask you to...
4 Common Harassment Tactics That Debt Collectors Use
Creditors often hire debt collectors to collect money owed to them by debtors. Typically, a creditor issues a debtor's contact information to a debt collector. While debt collectors have every right to call you concerning a debt, they should abide by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). However, debtors might find it challenging to avoid harassment calls from debt collectors if they know nothing about their rights. Debt collectors who flout the law can be a source of anxiety. Therefore, you should at least familiarize yourself with common tactics that collection agencies use when they contact debtors. You stand up for your rights if you understand the techniques. 1. Threaten Arrest A debt collector might threaten you with arrest, particularly if you fail to pick up their calls. Unfortunately, most people fall for the trap, not knowing that it is illegal for a collection agent to make such false claims. Only law enforcement agencies can issue a warrant of arrest, and debt collectors do not fall under the category. Failure to repay money owed to a creditor within a specified time period cannot land you in prison. Therefore, contact a lawyer immediately when a debt collector calls you and threatens to have you arrested. Such a threat is considered harassment and a violation of the TCPA. 2. Impersonate a Government Agent Some debt collectors might pretend to be government agents to get your attention. For example, a debt collector might impersonate a tax agent and inform you of the tax implications of not paying your debt on time. Notably, such information can make someone extremely anxious. However, it is illegal for collection agencies to impersonate government agents in the name of pursuing debts. The best thing to do if you encounter a debt collector who misrepresents themselves is to record all calls. You can record conversations electronically...
6 Tips to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud
It's no secret that telemarketers can be a nuisance. But did you know that some telemarketers resort to fraud to get your hard-earned money? According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were about 496,000 complaints about imposter calls in 2021. And that number is only increasing. As a consumer, you should know the different types of telemarketing fraud to protect yourself and your finances. Here are six tips to help you avoid telemarketing fraud. 1. Don't Give Out Personal Information to Telemarketers Telemarketers may try to obtain your personal information to accomplish their fraudulent plans. This information includes your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security number, and bank account information. If a telemarketer asks for any of this information, it's a red flag that they may be trying to scam you. Hang up the phone and report the call to the FTC. 2. Be Wary of Telemarketers Who Claim To Be From Your Bank or Credit Card Company Some telemarketers pose as representatives of your bank or credit card company and claim that your account has been compromised or that there is a problem with your account. They may say they need your personal financial information to verify your account or prevent fraud. Do not give out your personal information. Hang up the phone and call your bank or credit card company directly to find out if your account has a problem. 3. Do Not Purchase Anything From a Telemarketer Without First Doing Your Research If a telemarketer offers to sell you something, be wary. Before making any decisions, do your research to ensure that the product or service is legitimate and that you're getting a good deal. You can start by checking online reviews to see what other consumers say about the company and the...