This week’s question comes from Jane in San Francisco who writes: “I am pestered from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. by “robocalls” that have no person on the line when I say hello even though I am on the “do not call list”. The numbers they call from are either blocked or not functional when I try to call them back. Help! Is this legal?
Jane, every reader of The Examiner, including myself, feels your frustration. These calls are not legal. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and subsequent federal legislation, including the Do Not Call Implementation Act of 2003, “robocalls” or prerecorded telemarketing messages are illegal unless you have given the company written permission to call you. The prohibition also covers text messages to wireless numbers.