FTC Announces Law Enforcement Crackdown on Do Not Call Violators
FTC Announces Law Enforcement Crackdown on Do Not Call Violators "The Federal Trade Commission today announced a law enforcement crackdown on companies and individuals accused of violating the requirements of the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry, resulting in six settlements collectively imposing nearly $7.7 million in civil penalties, along with an additional complaint that will be filed in federal district court.
The actions, brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the FTC’s behalf, are against companies ranging from adjustable bed seller Craftmatic Industries, Inc. (Craftmatic) to alarm-monitoring provider ADT Security Services (ADT) and lender Ameriquest Mortgage Company (Ameriquest), and bring to 34 the number of cases filed by the FTC to enforce the DNC Rule, which was implemented in 2003. To date, consumers have put more than 145 million numbers on the Registry, indicating they do not want to receive calls from telemarketers at home.
“Consumers have made clear that they greatly value the Do Not Call Registry, and they must be able to depend on its privacy protection,” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “By bringing enforcement actions, like those announced today, we will ensure that the small number of bad actors pay a price for not adhering to the law and respecting consumers’ privacy requests.”
Recognizing its importance to consumers, the Commission recently announced that it will not remove telephone numbers from the Registry, pending final Congressional or agency action regarding whether to make registration permanent."
I continue to be amazed about the logic behind a Do Not Call list - could there be a larger red flag?
If you don't want a telemarketer to call you, then buy a telephone answering machine and screen your calls. Explain to your family and friends that you no longer keep your home door unlocked, have removed the keys from the car, and that your phone is also closed and locked. They will understand.
