Get Informed About the Laws Regulating Autodialers & Robocalls

An autodialer is an electronic device which dials phone numbers automatically to connect between two numbers. These numbers can be directed from a mobile phone, telephone or pager networks. An autodialer can also be called “automatic calling unit” or “autodialer”. This is a productive tool for telemarketing. Autodialers can also be semi-automatic. In such a case a human dials the number. All the related actions like recording, playing verbal messages are done by a person. A unique feature of this machine is that it can detect the answering machine or a live human pickup. When a call is made through a telephone exchange, this automatic calling unit announces a transit digital data (SMS) or a verbal message.

A robocall is yet another source of automated telemarketing. It is so called because the application sounds like a telephone call from a robot. Robocalls use a recorded message which is delivered by the computer as well as a computerized autodialer. Robocalls play a vital role in influencing the lives of the voters all over the world. But there are certain laws regulating autodialler and robocalls. Except political callers, emergency calls, bank notifications and NGO calls, these laws maintain a strong hold on the robocalls and autodialers. If you are facing problems due to autodialers and robocalls learn the laws and file your complaint online at:
www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

Laws and Restrictions for Autodialers

The “Telephone Consumer Protection Act” or the TCPA was passed in 1991. It is the primary law which restricts the application of the automatic redialing systems for commercial promotions or for sending unsolicited advertisements. The Federal Trade Commission prohibits commercial campaign through auto dialing. Every state of North America has different consumer protection laws. But the FTC regulations are far more strict and predominant than the state laws.

Laws and Restrictions for Robocalls

The laws regulating robocalls also vary from place to place. For e.g. in February 2008, California introduced the Federal Robocall Privacy Act. Many other Acts have also been introduced in other American states. Some of the basic clauses enlisted by these laws are-

• The candidates must have correct caller ID numbers
• It is mandatory that a call should not be received before 8am and after 9pm
• Robocalls should not be made more than twice per candidate
• It is compulsory to display the name of the person, who is paying for the call before the call takes place. The name should not be displayed at the end of the call

Illegal robocalls are also quite frequent these days. After numerous complaints, the Federal Trade Commission had once requested the federal court in 2009, to stop the occurrence of robocalls. The FTC had taken serious steps against many telecallers for carrying out deceptive and illegal campaigns. The Do Not Call law is a statute codification which prohibits the telecallers from placing robocalls. But the No Call law has been more successful in controlling robocalls in all the 23 states across U.S. If the TCPA registers a certain company for making illegal robocalls, then a penalty of about $1,500 can be imposed on the offender per illegal call. Therefore whenever you are interrupted by a robocall, contact your local Attorney General’s Office.