Affiliate Marketers Targeted in Text Spam Class Action Lawsuits

Affiliate Marketers Targeted in Text Spam Class Action Lawsuits

By John Curran

Many American consumers don’t understand what affiliate marketing is, but thousands have been affected by the actions of a small subset of marketers that may be cited in civil and criminal cases involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and cell spam regulations.

Affiliate marketers do not sell their own products, but rather act as an additional sales force for well-known companies such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and others, or act as resellers. However, a few companies based in Florida are accused of using text message spam in order to try and “phish” for personal information that could be used for fraudulent purposes. However, even when the goals are not criminal, the TCPA bans the method as well.

That is the case for normally aboveboard companies like PNC Bank, which is the subject of a class action lawsuit investigation into claims it illegally contacted consumers on their cell phones. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act requires that companies that issue emails and text messages to consumers must provide clear sign-up forms or web pages as well as clear opt-out instructions. If that is not the case and the person says that they are still receiving messages on his or her cell phone, the company may have to pay up to $500 for each unsolicited text message and up to $1,500 if it can be proven the violation was intentional.

Many Americans are aware of the Do Not Call lists, but few are unaware of the TCPA which was also enacted to protect consumers from telemarketers. Most people have text message limits, so frequent communications can push them over their account limit and cause them to incur charges. That does not include the hassle of having to deal with beeps and vibrations at all hours of the day. Whether the intent was innocuous or not, consumers need to know about the TCPA.

It is also important to note that the short length of text messages can make it difficult for cell phone users to know who sent them the message. If there is any concern, they should contact their bank or other company via the 800 number or a secure section of the firm’s website in order to ensure that they do not pass personal information like PINs or Social Security Numbers to nefarious parties.

If you or someone you know have dealt with text spam or an unsolicited cell phone call from a company, get help at the Text Message Spam, Cell Phone Call TCPA Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Filling out the short form there entitles you to a free consultation with a text message spam lawsuit attorney, so get started today.

Updated March 26th, 2013

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