TCPA Lawsuits Over Unwanted Cell Phone Calls, Texts on the Rise

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TCPA Lawsuits Over Unwanted Cell Phone Calls, Texts on the Rise

By Anne Bucher

Consumers are increasingly finding themselves disrupted by phone calls and text messages from companies that they have never done business with. While consumers recognize that these calls are annoying, many do not realize that they are also illegal. If you have received unsolicited phone calls or text messages, you could be eligible for significant compensation. Under federal law, companies are liable for a minimum of $500 for each unsolicited communication.

TCPA Enacted to Protect Consumers from Aggressive Telemarketers

Many companies accused of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) are finding themselves the subject of class action lawsuits. The TCPA was enacted in 1991 to protect consumers from aggressive telemarketers and collection agencies. Most of the provisions of the TCPA apply to companies who use automated telephone dialing systems to deliver prerecorded telemarketing messages to consumers. These automated phone calls are commonly referred to as “robocalls.” Many consumers find these calls to be disruptive. Because many Americans use a cell phone as their primary phone, they are often responsible for paying fees for incoming texts. The TCPA imposes penalties that range from $500 to $1,500 for each violation. Because companies often contact large numbers of consumers, these penalties can be substantial.

Many companies are currently being investigated for alleged TCPA violations. These companies include financial institutions, restaurants, debt collectors and other large corporations. Some of the targets of TCPA class action lawsuits include:

• Bank of America
• PNC Bank
• Chase Bank
• Wells Fargo
• Outback Steakhouse
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• Chili’s
• IHOP
• Olive Garden

Lawsuits Over Unwanted Cell Phone Calls, Texts Continue to Rise

The number of TCPA lawsuits has increased significantly over the past few years. While companies are generally allowed to contact their customers for legitimate business purposes, there has been some conflict about what types of calls are authorized.

Many companies have complained that, while they do technically rely on automated telephone calls to reach customers, these phone calls are made for legitimate business purposes and should not be penalized under the TCPA. They argue that the penalties imposed by the TCPA are too expensive and can cause significant damage to their companies. They claim that the penalties are too severe for the mild inconvenience that consumers suffer from receiving an unsolicited phone call or text message.

If You Have Received Unsolicited Phone Calls or Text Messages, Take Legal Action

Because most corporations can afford to employ a skilled legal team, it is imperative for consumers who receive unsolicited communications to contact a TCPA attorney to help them fight for their legal rights.

If you have received unsolicited phone calls or text messages, you could be entitled to compensation. Visit the Text Message Spam, Cell Phone Call TCPA Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation to learn about your legal rights. Over the past few years, consumers have received millions of dollars from companies who violated the TCPA. The number of companies faced with TCPA lawsuits continues to rise. By taking legal action, you help to hold these corporations accountable for their illegal and unwelcome communications.

Updated May 13th, 2013

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