Telemarketers Harassing You? Taking Legal Action

An occasional call from a telemarketer may not be a big deal, but when the calls fringe on the line of harassment—it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Many people are unaware of the fact that telemarketers are governed under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), so when their guidelines are crossed, you may be able to move forward with legal action.

First Course of Action

Most people do not exactly enjoy receiving calls from telemarketers, but they are legal. For this reason, one of the first things you need to do to stop these calls is to input your number into the National Do Not Call Registry. Set up is easy and can be completed on the government-backed website.

From a legal standpoint, companies may be able to freely reach out to you as often as they would like if your telephone number is not included on this list. Remember, you can input a landline or cellphone number on this list. 

Standard Guidelines

Fortunately, the TCPA does have a set of guidelines that all telemarketers are required to follow. A telemarketer contacting you after you have registered for the Do Not Call List or repeat calling without providing the name of the company when prompted, are common violations. 

Calling outside of calling hours, typically between 9 pm and 8 am is another violation. It is also worth noting that sending text messages, unsolicited, can also be a violation. Generally, you can only move forward with legal action if one of these guidelines has been violated. Additionally, you will also need to provide proof of this violation, so keep this in mind.

Legal Action for Violations

When a telemarketer is violating their operational rules; you want to contact an attorney. The legal ramifications of this violation extend beyond the calls ending. You may also be able to be compensated by these companies for each violation.

Again, you do need to collect your evidence, such as proof that you are registered on the no-call registry as well as your phone records, to prove harassment. You can then take this information to an attorney who will investigate these instances to determine if you can file a harassment suit.

If you are the victim of harassment from a telemarketer, it is always a good idea to speak with legal services like Heidarpour Law Firm to learn what your rights are and how to move forward.