TCPA Lawsuits On the Rise in 2013

TCPA Lawsuits On the Rise in 2013

By Andrea Gressman

The number of TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) lawsuits has increased drastically in 2013. InsideArm.com, a site designed to provide resources and tools to debt collection agencies, has sharply warned debt collectors about taking part in activities that would violate the TCPA because of the significant increase in class action lawsuits being filed. They claim there has been a 54% increase in cases since August 2012 alone. They also claim there has been an 82% increase from the same period last year with 153 TCPA lawsuits currently pending compared to just 84 in January 2012.

These staggering numbers clearly show that the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission are taking a stand against those who violate the TCPA. It was recently reported that the FTC just filed a TCPA lawsuit against multiple organizations and individuals for a texting scam that was underway.

Although the Telephone Consumer Protection Act was enacted originally in 1991 and was designed as a statute that would be utilized in small claims actions, it has grown to something far more significant. Now many consumers have used this act to file TCPA lawsuits on a much larger scale and to even create class action lawsuits in order to receive the compensation they deserve.

The main purpose for the enactment of the TCPA is to provide protection to consumers from telemarketers. However, it has expanded into other areas to include debt collectors and those who send spam texts. The fine for each violation of the act can be up to $1,500, so this can add up to a significant amount of money in no time.

There are other reasons why TCPA class action lawsuits may be on the rise. First, even though the statute was put in place over 20 years ago there is just now a growing awareness of the law. Also, people are now opting to use cell phones as opposed to landlines. The rates for a cell phone are quite different than with a landline, which may make the consumer more aware of unwanted phone calls and text spam. Also, texting is now more popular than ever. Therefore, there is a great deal more marketing done through texting now than ever before.

If you feel you have been a victim of a Telephone Consumer Protection Act violation you could possibly file your own lawsuit or even join a class action lawsuit. If you have received text message spam, cell phone calls without your permission, unauthorized fax message advertisements, or any other violations to the law, you need to contact a TCPA lawsuit attorney right away. An experienced TCPA lawyer can help you to know what your best legal option is for your situation.

Visit the Text Message Spam TCPA Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation for more details. A TCPA lawsuit attorney is standing by ready to provide you with a free legal review.

Updated March 15th, 2013

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