Consumer Action Non-Profit Org. 1170 Market Street, Suite 500 U.S. Postage San Francisco, CA 94102 PAID San Francisco, CA CONSUMER Permit # 10402 ACTION Change Service Requested News www.consumer-action.org • Spring 2019 The robocall scourge Lawmakers throw down the gauntlet on robocalls By Ruth Susswein toKENs, or SHAKEN). In May, FCC chief Ajit Pai called on he Federal Communica- phone carriers to hurry up and tions Commission (FCC) voluntarily implement the call estimates that nearly half authentication system by the end (46%)T of all robocalls are from of 2019, or be forced to do so by scammers. All parties, including the commission. representatives from the telecom industry, are looking for lawmak- The TRACED Act would give ers to get tough on illegal robo- the FCC—the nation’s tele- callers. New laws may be an easy com regulator—more time and lift, but whether or not they’ll authority to take enforcement be effective against out-and-out action against robocall violators. scammers remains to be seen. Currently, the FCC can only take action against robocallers Unlike with many other issues, for one year from when the call the U.S. Congress has united was placed. The TRACED Act around its desire to find useful would extend that time to three Relentless robocalls ways to combat the unwanted years, as well as require the FCC automated calls popularly re- to craft rules to help prevent calls anger consumers ferred to as “robocalls.” In April, or texts with spoofed numbers the Senate Commerce Com- from ever reaching consumers’ By Lauren Hall Spoofed robocalls are an mittee unanimously approved phones. It also would broaden increasing problem for phone legislation that would provide the enforcement authority of hose automated tele- owners. These calls use fraudu- consumers with some relief from phone calls that deliver the Federal Trade Commission lent caller identification (Caller fraudulent, unwelcome robocalls. (FTC). pre-recorded messages to ID) information to disguise the yourT landline or cell phone—aka While innovative approaches The TRACED Act would allow caller’s true identity. For instance, to stopping the scourge of illegal “robocalls”—are bombarding a con artist will “spoof” (fake) for increased penalties for inten- consumers’ devices at alarm- robocalls are more than welcome, tional violations of telemarketing the name and/or number on a it must be acknowledged that ing rates. Consumers received a phone’s call display to make it regulations, up to $10,000 per whopping 47 billion robocalls slightly more than half of robo- robocall. If the intentional viola- seem like the call’s coming from calls are from legitimate business- last year alone. Estimates are that a government office (e.g., the tions continued, the fine could nearly half of them were from es. The National Consumer Law jump to $30,000 per call. The IRS or Social Security Adminis- Center’s Margot Saunders says scammers. tration), a neighbor or even your bill calls for civil penalties for that companies making legiti- legitimate businesses that repeat- Unless you have explicitly own phone number! Spoofing mate robocalls would largely be consented to the calls, robocalls legitimate numbers makes it edly call numbers that have been spared in some of the legislation recycled (“reassigned”) to other are generally prohibited under more likely you will answer the being considered by Congress, the federal Telephone Consumer phone and fall for the con. Caller customers or simply repeatedly but points out that legitimate flout the law. The bill would Protection Act (TCPA), especial- ID spoofing software is widely businesses making illegal calls to ly on cell phones. (Certain types available and can send thousands extend the window for the FCC cell phones without consent is a to catch and take civil enforce- of robocalls, such as political or of calls for very little money. major reason 2018 was the worst charitable pitches, may be legal.) ment action against intentional Robocalling is a huge and year on record for robocalls. violations from one to three years But scammers and other disrepu- growing problem: In 2017, seven table callers don’t really care. TRACED ACT (S.151): The after a robocall is placed. The million consumers complained Telephone Robocall Abuse Crim- bill also eliminates a requirement You might welcome robocalls to the Federal Communications inal Enforcement and Deterrence that are automated calls from that the FCC warn companies Commission (FCC) and Federal (TRACED) Act would require before bringing an enforcement your child’s school about early Trade Commission (FTC) about telephone companies to adopt school closings, or from your action against them if they subse- robocalls. According to the FCC, technology to authenticate calls quently skirt the law. State attor- pharmacy about prescription robocalls make up 60 percent and alert consumers if an incom- refills or pickups. However, neys general across the country of all the complaints it receives. ing call was from a “spoofed” support the TRACED Act. companies using “autodialers” The complaints have steadily (faked) number. (Depending on to send out thousands of robo- increased despite the fact that Another bill, the Robocall your carrier, it may say “Suspi- Enforcement Enhancement calls a minute to people who consumers are taking what steps cious” or “Spam?” before the haven’t consented to receiving they can to protect themselves. Act (S.2694), also would extend incoming number on Caller ID.) the time the FCC has to pursue them are doing so illegally. Even Consumers have placed more This technology is called STIR/ prerecorded calls from legitimate robocall and Caller ID spoofing than 230 million phone num- SHAKEN (Secure Telephony violations, and would authorize companies offering you a hotel bers on the FTC’s Do Not Call Identity Revisited, or STIR, stay, a new credit card or a home the agency to act without the Registry (https://www.donotcall. and Signature-based Handling currently required warning. security system are prohibited gov/). Doing so prevents legiti- of Asserted Information using without consumer permission. See “Relentless” on page 2 See “Lawmakers” on page 2 could be hit with a $2,000 pen- which, or on whose behalf, they Consumer Action Lawmakers alty per call. are calling. (Learn more: https:// www.consumer-action.org Continued from page 1 In 2018, Connecticut passed a tinyurl.com/y6d2h3ua.) law adding criminal fines to the The FCC created rules to Consumer Action has been a Stopping Bad Robocalls Act champion of underrepresented state’s anti-robocall law. Massa- implement the TCPA and estab- consumers nationwide since 1971. (H.R.946): This bill would re- chusetts floated a bill that would lished the Do Not Call Registry, A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, quire call authentication technol- ban robocalls to cell phones (un- which allows consumers to regis- Consumer Action focuses on ogy to end spoofing and make der state law) and increase penal- ter their landline and cell phone financial education that empowers Caller ID reliable. It would help low- and moderate-income ties to $10,000 per violation, and numbers at https://www.donotcall. and limited-English-speaking prevent robocallers from evad- New Jersey lawmakers launched gov/ or 888-382-1222, at no consumers to financially prosper. ing the law via a better definition a bill to press the FCC to require charge. Marketers are prohibited of “autodialer,” clarify that the By providing financial education phone companies to provide free from calling numbers on the Do materials in multiple languages, TCPA applies to text messages, robocall blocking for cell phones Not Call list. You also can verify a free national hotline and and affirm that consumers may and landlines. ongoing financial services revoke any previously given per- research, Consumer Action helps mission to receive robocalls. In reality most consumers assert their rights of these mea- Robocall loopholes in the marketplace and make ROBOCOP (Repeated Objec- sures would not ithout your permission, robocalls to your financially savvy choices. tionable Bothering of Consum- block all robo- cell phone are illegal, but “non-commer- ers on Phones) Act (S.1212 and calls. They will W Advice and referral hotline cial” robocalls may be placed to your landline H.R.2298): This bill would re- not stop fraud- Submit consumer complaints to without your permission. Non-profit groups, quire phone companies to supply sters who don’t our hotline: political organizations and pollsters are allowed customers with free call-blocking spoof phone https://bit.ly/CA_hotline_ENG to robocall your landline even if your phone tools. The ROBOCOP Act also numbers, nor (415) 777-9635 number’s on the Do Not Call list. would require phone companies will they stop Chinese, English and Spanish to verify that Caller ID is accu- spoken legitimate com- Debt collectors often place robocalls to cell rate (with exceptions for medical panies (student and landlines if you gave consent when you San Francisco offices and domestic abuse shel- loan lenders, took out the loan, even inadvertently. 1170 Market Street, Suite 500 ters, among other select entities). credit card If you are on the Do Not Call list, all telemar- San Francisco, CA 94102 It also would give consumers the companies, debt keting calls (robo- and otherwise) are prohibited (415) 777-9648 right to sue a phone company collectors, etc.) unless you have given the caller permission. Email: [email protected] that violates the law. from making For more about this, see “When telemarketing Ken McEldowney State legislation legally allowed protections don’t apply” on page 4. Executive Director calls. While Congress and the FCC Michael Heffer On June 6, the Business Manager consider how to solve the re- if your phone number is on the lentless robocall problem, some FCC voted to allow phone com- Kathy Li panies to automatically block list or report unwanted calls to Director, San Francisco (SF) Office states have stepped up to combat the FTC at the site. this growing harm. robocalls to customers’ phones. Nani Susanti Hansen While the FCC’s ruling does not If companies violate the TCPA, Caller ID spoofing ban (SB Associate Director, SF Office require companies to offer this consumers should document the 208): This bill before the Cali- Audrey Perrott call-blocking service, carriers illegal calls, including date, time, fornia State Senate sets a deadline Director, Strategic Partnerships that do must inform consumers caller’s identity and a summary for telecoms to prevent “neighbor of the change to block robocalls of the call. (Voicemails left on Monica Steinisch spoofing”—displaying Caller ID Senior Associate, Editorial by default and provide consum- answering machines by telemar- numbers that appear to be local ers with an option to opt out of keters and scammers are valuable Jamie Woo calls, from the same area code Community Outreach Manager having their calls blocked if they documentation—use your mo- and prefix. Sometimes scammers wish to continue to receive all bile phone to re-record them and Joseph Ridout highjack the phone numbers of turn them into digital files.) Sub- Consumer Services Manager calls. real government agencies and mit the information to the FCC Cui Yan Xie other legitimate sources to reach TCPA and the FTC. This information is Project Associate their targets. The imposters The Telephone Consumer useful as proof in lawsuits against Vickie Tse behind these misleading calls are Protection Act (TCPA) limits the telemarketers or debt collectors. Development Coordinator blamed for identity theft scams, use of automated dialing systems, Consumers can recover up to Hazel Kong in-language claims from taxing prerecorded messages, texts, faxes $500 for each violation, and up Administrative Associate/ authorities, and other frauds and telemarketing sales calls. to $1,500 if they can prove the Consumer Advice Counselor that cost Americans over $900 Outside of emergency warnings, TCPA was knowingly violated. Angela Kwan million in 2017, according to the recorded messages and automat- Web Manager FTC. ed calls and texts to your cell or Debt collection rules Ricardo Perez SB 208 would require phone residential phone are forbidden In May, the Consumer Finan- Mail Room Operations companies to implement the without your written consent. cial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Rose Chan STIR/SHAKEN system to iden- (However, for consumers who proposed to allow debt collectors Consumer Advice Coordinator tify and reduce spoofed Caller have not added their numbers to to call borrowers seven times a Schelly Gartner ID numbers by July 1, 2020. the Do Not Call Registry (https:// week, and have one conversa- Consumer Advice Counselor The New York State Senate www.donotcall.gov), prior consent tion per week—per debt—plus send unlimited text and email Alden Chan, Robert La, has passed a bill that would ban is not required when sales calls Michelle Liu telemarketers from contacting are made manually and do not messages. There currently is no Support New Yorkers using an automated feature prerecorded messages.) set limit on the number of debt dialing system without consum- Under the TCPA, without collection calls allowed per day if Los Angeles ers’ prior consent. This bill also your written consent, compa- they are not automated robocalls. (213) 624-4631 mandates that phone companies nies may not call before 8 a.m. The proposed changes would modify the 42-year-old Fair Debt Nelson Santiago provide free services to prescreen or after 9 p.m. or fail to provide Collection Practices Act. n Community Outreach Manager and block robocalls. Violators the name of the company from Linda Williams Community Outreach & Training tinyurl.com/y5lwr5lq) to apps that ers have held off developing and Manager Relentless block calls (both on cell and deploying call-blocking tools by landline phones). default because of uncertainty Continued from page 1 Washington, DC Finally, cell phone owners can about whether these tools are (202) 544-3088 mate telemarketers from calling set their phones to block calls legal under the FCC’s rules.” The Linda Sherry numbers on the list, but really from certain numbers or enable FCC erased that uncertainty by Director, National Priorities does nothing to stop fraudsters “Do Not Disturb” mode to keep voting, on June 6, to allow (but from repeatedly robocalling. not require) phone companies to Ruth Susswein the phone from ringing. automatically block robocalls to Deputy Director, National Priorities There are a variety of tools These tools are helpful but in- customers’ phones. (Editor, Consumer Action News) consumers can use to curb the sufficient to combat these relent- onslaught of unwanted robo- less calls, particularly from scam- Robocalls are regulated by the Lauren Hall calls—from call-blocking apps FCC and, to a lesser extent, the Policy Advocate, National Priorities mers. The FCC is working with to alerts (through your phone telephone providers to determine FTC. The FCC’s telemarketing Alegra Howard company) that let you decide ways for them to identify and rules apply to robocalls, which Policy Advocate, National Priorities which calls to block. For details block spam robocalls before they are limited and/or prohibited un- Consumer Action News is printed by the on these options, see page 3. The reach your phone. According to der the TCPA (https://tinyurl.com/ Dakota Printing Company. FTC also offers a guide https://( © Consumer Action 2019 the FCC, “many voice provid- See “Relentless” on page 3

Page 2 • Spring 2019 • Consumer Action News across carriers and are constantly are available. Robocall combat tools in development, the best way to CTIA, a trade association know what’s available to you is to representing the U.S. wireless By Monica Steinisch known spam numbers to block, call your carrier or visit the com- communications industry, offers and they allow you to add new pany’s website. You also can do lists of apps, with step-by-step here has been enough of numbers as they come in. You an online search for your carrier’s instructions, to help consumers an outcry against robo- can find retailers and product name plus keywords “residential block nuisance communications calls and spam texts that reviews (such as this from Mash- anti-spam call tools” (or some- on these devices: serviceT providers, app developers thing similar). able: https://tinyurl.com/y5mhlmms) • iPhone (https://tinyurl.com/ and inventors are finally provid- by doing an online search for yypynh5y); ing some legitimate, effective op- Smartphone settings “landline call blockers.” Or, your • Android phone (https://tinyurl. tions against the intrusions. Not All smartphones have built-in carrier might offer devices on com/y2rlqa9a); all options work for all phones— features that allow you to block their website (like Verizon: https:// • Blackberry (https://tinyurl.com/ some are carrier or device spe- certain calls. Blocking calls on an tinyurl.com/y469h6q5). y2dkfvae); and cific—but there’s sure to be some iPhone is pretty straightforward • Windows (https://tinyurl.com/ tool available that will give you Free for landlines, Nomorobo and entails the same (or very y58khudc). some relief from the onslaught. screens your calls and checks similar) steps for all Apple oper- each incoming phone number ating systems 7 or later. Since the Nomorobo is one of these Do Not Call Registry against its constantly updated list Android operating system (OS) many anti-spam apps. While free The Federal Trade Commis- of over 1.2 million known, illegal runs on phones from different for landlines, there’s a $1.99 a sion’s National Do Not Call Reg- spammers. If you receive a spam manufacturers, the steps for month or $19.99 a year charge istry (https://www.donotcall.gov/) is call, Nomorobo intercepts it after blocking calls can vary. Digital per mobile device after a no-cost designed to reduce the number one ring and disconnects it. If Trends offers step-by-step in- 14-day trial. When used on a of unwanted telemarketing calls the call is legitimate, it will keep structions for a variety of phones smartphone, Nomorobo also made to consumers’ home or ringing. (https://tinyurl.com/y8cbeyf4). protects against spam text mes- sages. mobile phones. There’s no cost to Nomorobo is only available for Depending on which Android register your landline and mobile VoIP (Voice over Internet Proto- device you’re using, you might Note: Many call-blocking apps phone numbers. col) landline phones, not those have built-in tools. For example, request access to your contacts Adding your number(s) to the connected to traditional copper Samsung devices offer “Smart list and other data. If that raises list won’t stop calls from chari- lines. However, this covers the Call” (https://tinyurl.com/y89p7pp8), your privacy warning flag, be ties, political groups, debt collec- majority of landline customers. and Google Pixel phones can sure to choose a service that is tors, survey-takers or entities you Visit the Nomorobo website provide a real-time transcript of less intrusive. You’ll most likely already do business with, which (https://www.nomorobo.com/), or the call and allow you to block it have to pay a small purchase or you may find equally unwel- check directly with your carrier. (https://tinyurl.com/ya8qu8bu). For subscription fee for the privilege come, but it will put a dent in Some carriers, including Spec- the latest information about your of maintaining your privacy. the total volume of unwanted trum Communications (https:// spam-fighting options on your For instructions on integrat- calls. tinyurl.com/y6247e53) and Com- particular device, do an online ing third-party apps into your cast (Xfinity) (https://tinyurl.com/ The main shortcoming of the search for your phone model and iPhone’s OS, see https://support. y9x5rbym), offer it through their OS along with keywords “how to apple.com/en-us/HT207099. Do Not Call Registry is that the website. people who inundate consumers block spam.” Carrier apps and tools with unwanted robocalls general- While Nomorobo is an op- A more extreme option for ly are not particularly concerned tion for most landline custom- smartphone users is to turn on Many wireless service providers with obeying the law. ers regardless of phone service the “Do Not Disturb” func- offer their own anti-spam apps. provider, many carriers offer tion (available on all iPhones For example, Verizon’s free Call Call-blocking tools additional tools for combat- but only some Android phones) Filter app (https://tinyurl.com/yyrm- Anonymous-call rejection is ting spam calls. Some tools alert and choose to allow only calls 8bx4), available for both iPhone free and available regardless you, others block suspicious from people in your contacts list. (https://tinyurl.com/yy965dx7) and of which carrier provides your calls, and still others do both. While this might prevent you Android (https://tinyurl.com/ybg- residential landline service. It’s For example, Verizon customers from receiving desired calls from 2d7yh), alerts you to unwanted easy to activate: Just listen for the who subscribe to Caller ID get a people not in your contacts list, calls and texts, and allows you dial tone and press *77 (touch- landline feature that blocks some you will see which calls you’ve to report and block calls. Those tone phones) or dial 1177 (rotary calls automatically if the system missed and can choose whether who pay $2.99 per month, per phones); hang up after you hear detects a spoofed number or one to return them. line, get some enhanced capabili- the confirmation tone or an- associated with illegal spam calls. ties, such as the ability to create a nouncement. If you have any For other suspect calls, the word Blocking apps personal robocall block list. problems activating the feature, “SPAM?” appears in front of the There are dozens of indepen- Other service providers offer call your carrier for assistance. caller’s name and number and dently developed apps that make protection as an account feature, (There may be a fee for this ser- you choose whether or not to it possible to block unwanted without the need to install a vice on business landlines.)While answer. calls and/or text messages on cell separate app. For example, once this feature will block calls from Likewise, AT&T’s Digital phones. They vary in: you activate T-Mobile’s free Scam hidden phone numbers, it won’t Phone Call Protect automatically • Purpose: Block just calls, just Block (https://www.t-mobile.com/ stop unwanted calls from sources blocks calls from known scam- texts or both. resources/call-protection) on your that spoof (fake) their numbers mers and alerts you on Caller ID • Method: For example, block- account, the system will notify on Caller ID. if a call is suspected spam and ing calls from numbers phone you of likely scam calls and allow There are a slew of call blocker what category it falls into (for ex- owners have “blacklisted” you to block the calls before they devices available for purchase ample, Debt Collector, Political, (denied access), allowing only reach you. that you attach to the phone Nonprofit, Telemarketer, Survey calls from allowed “whitelist- Check with your carrier or line. These mainly are intended or Robocaller). An app version of ed” numbers, or providing a service provider to learn about its for copper-based landlines. this tool—AT&T Call Protect— warning of some type versus latest tools for preventing un- Typically, the devices come pre- is available for cell phones. blocking the call outright. wanted calls. n programmed with thousands of Because anti-spam features vary • Cost: Free and paid versions

robocalls? First, hang up imme- bocall, or was calling a number Not Call Registry or any of the Relentless diately and report the call to the on the Do Not Call list without other relevant laws also could FCC (https://tinyurl.com/newygtj), permission.) If the court finds face fines by the FCC and/or Continued from page 2 and to the FTC if you believe it that the caller “willfully or know- FTC. yyuwm4c4). That’s the law that re- is a scam or if you received the ingly” violated the TCPA, it can Congress is considering legis- quires marketers to get consum- call despite having placed your award victims up to $1,500 per lation (like the TRACED Act) ers’ specific, written (“express”) number on the Do Not Call call. In addition, consumers can to levy even bigger fines against consent before calling or texting, registry (https://www.ftccomplaintas- take certain callers to court un- lawbreaking robocallers and with a small set of exceptions. sistant.gov). der the FDCPA, which protects require telephone companies to Calls that involve an attempt to Next, know that under the them from unfair, deceptive and improve their technology to help collect a debt also are subject to TCPA, consumers can take a abusive debt collectors (including consumers avoid the unwanted the Fair Debt Collection Prac- robocaller to state court. (This those making robocalls). Con- calls. n tices Act (FDCPA), enforced by would be most easily done if sumers also can join with others the FTC. the call were from a recognized in class action lawsuits against So what recourse do consum- company that did not have the robocallers. ers have when bombarded with consumer’s permission to ro- Robocallers who violate the Do

Consumer Action News • Spring 2019 • Page 3 stop calling, you can complain to Another annoying but legal the Federal Trade Commission practice is campaigns that sell (https://www.ftccomplaintassistant. supporters’ contact information gov/). to other campaigns and political Before you donate to a charity, organizations. During the 2016 make sure to check its donor pri- GOP presidential primary cam- vacy policy to see if your contact paign, nearly every presidential information might be sold to candidate sold supporter data for other organizations. Sites like the big money. Better Business Bureau’s Give.org A CNN Money analysis of (http://www.give.org/) and Charity 2016 Federal Election Commis- Navigator (https://www.charitynavi- sion records found that by selling gator.org/) provide an overview of supporter lists, Marco Rubio an organization’s donor privacy made $504,651, Rand Paul standards (when available) if pulled in $212,495 and former you’re unable to find it on the Wisconsin Governor Scott Walk- charity’s website. er made $142,757. Democratic campaigns run by Barack Obama When telemarketing Political campaigns and Hillary Clinton made mil- Phone calls and texts from lions from sharing their support- protections don’t apply campaigns are legal, but there er lists after past elections. are a few restrictions. The last So, what can you do to stop Some robocalls, texts and few years have seen an uptick your data from being sold? When in campaigns using texting as a you donate or register with a prerecorded calls are allowed way to rally support for candi- campaign, the fine print may dates. From donation requests to state that the campaign is able to election day reminders, political By Alegra Howard that box was checked by default sell your information. Opt out texts are the biggest trend on the by asking each campaign to place when you were making an online campaign trail. With the 2020 f the volume of unwanted purchase or inquiry. If you’re you on its own do-not-call list. robocalls and scam texts campaign season right around tired of hearing from a business, the corner, consumers may won- Detecting fraud reaching your phone lines has you can unsubscribe from future mushroomed,I you’re not alone. der what rights they have to stop If you suspect you’re receiving sales calls and texts. You can Many are from illegal scammers, the barrage of communications calls or texts from a scammer usually end legitimate marketing from candidates. but the calls and texts can come text messages by texting “STOP.” posing as a charity or political from companies and organiza- But don’t respond to a text if you Campaigns usually obtain campaign, hang up and immedi- tions that are exempt from the think it’s a scam, because doing registered voters’ phone num- ately report the communication Telephone Consumer Protection so just lets the scammer know bers from voter registration files, to the Federal Trade Commission Act (TCPA), a federal law that your number works. which are public. While political (https://www.ftccomplaintassistant. limits telemarketing calls and campaigns legally can autodial gov). autodialed, prerecorded calls. Charities and non-profits or send prerecorded calls to your If you suspect a scam, don’t landline without your consent, respond to any instructions such Legal exemptions Prerecorded calls made by (or on behalf of) a non-profit it is illegal for campaigns to use as “press X for” or “reply with Placing your number on the organization to landlines for fun- an automated dialing system to X,” even if the message says it is Federal Trade Commission’s Do draising or informational pur- mass call or text your cell phone to get more information. Press- Not Call list (https://www.donot- poses are allowed—even if your without your consent. ing a number may be considered call.gov/) is intended to prohibit name is on the Do Not Call list. You might be wondering, consent to use and sell your sales calls, but businesses can still However, the name of the orga- then, why you are receiving so phone number to another com- legally contact you with prere- nization and a return telephone many campaign text messages pany. It also lets scammers know corded messages as long as they number must be provided at the that you’ve never consented to. they have a live line. Similarly, if don’t try to sell you something. start of the message. Non-profits There’s a loophole in the TCPA’s you think you are dealing with Messages from an airline about a and politicians may not robocall protection against unsolicited a scammer, don’t respond to the flight cancellation, appointment or text your cell phone unless text messages: peer-to-peer tex- suspicious text with “STOP,” reminders from your doctor, you have given prior consent ting (https://tinyurl.com/y6sdsvyu). as you might when unsubscrib- and pharmacies reminding you (written or oral). You could be This technology allows a cam- ing from a legitimate company’s to refill your prescription all giving consent when you sign up paign staffer or volunteer to send marketing texts. are allowed. Prerecorded calls to volunteer, receive a newsletter a large number of unsolicited Lastly, be wary of any calls or from debt collectors are more or make a donation, so double- text messages without recipi- texts that ask you for personal complicated, but are allowed to check which “I agree” boxes have ent consent. As long as staffers information, like your Social landlines, not cell phones, unless been checked before submitting have to press a send button each Security or driver’s license you gave the caller or the firm your contact information. Be time they send a text, the system number, birth date, address or they’re working for prior permis- aware that individual, manually technically isn’t automated, even account information. Also, be sion. Non-profit organizations dialed calls from non-profit staff- if a staffer contacts 1,000 voters wary of any official-looking but and political campaigns also are ers are still allowed to your cell per day. unsolicited emails or texts that exempt from many, but not all, phone. You have the right, at any time, ask you to click on a link. Links TCPA robocall restrictions. To stop non-profits and cam- to opt out of receiving automat- inside scam texts and emails may You may have unintentionally paigns from calling you, ask to ed or prerecorded calls and texts install malware on your phone or made yourself a target of legal be placed on the organization’s to your cell phone. Once you computer. Mobile phone users robocalls from businesses by own do-not-call list. This also ask, the campaign must place with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, checking a box when signing up applies to third-party telemarket- your number on its own do- Sprint and Bell service can copy for a service or visiting a website, ers calling on behalf of a charity. not-call list. If they fail to do so, the message and text it to 7726 when asked if the business can If any company or charity fails to report it to the FTC (https://www. to report a potential scam. n market to you directly. Perhaps ftccomplaintassistant.gov/).

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