The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) is federal legislation designed to counteract the aggressive actions of telemarketers and collection agencies. The TCPA was intended to limit automatic calls, texts, and other contacts placed by companies to landlines, cell phones, emails, and even fax machines. The Federal Communications Commission enforces compliance with the requirements, which include accurate caller identification, prohibitions against calling phone numbers on the “Do Not Call” list, and the use of prerecorded voice calls to cell phones.
Damages for Telephone Harassment
The TCPA provides a private right of action, including damages of $500 per violation. If a court determines the violation was “knowing and willful,” damages can be increased to $1,500 per violation. In the aggregate, these statutory damages can be significant. Our firm has considerable experience with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and has resolved numerous cases for over $100,000.00 in the past two years alone. In 2017, we also secured a verdict at a hearing in a TCPA case for almost $300,000.00 for our client. Many lawyers advertise that they handle TCPA cases effectively; very few have gone the distance and won. Even fewer take these cases contingently, where no fees are owed unless you win.
If you are receiving unwanted contact, contact the civil litigation attorneys at Maginnis Howard. We are a North Carolina civil litigation firm with attorneys handling all matters related to illegal marketing actions under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. To schedule a free case review, contact the firm at (919) 526-0450 or submit a new case inquiry here. There is no obligation to hire us; we would love to inform you about your rights.
North Carolina Consumer Law
In addition to federal law, North Carolina has strict restrictions on telephone solicitors (telemarketers). Under N.C.G.S. 75-100, telemarketers must:
- correctly identify themselves at the outset of the call, provide an accurate address or phone number
- immediately end the call at the caller’s bequest, and
- not call before 8:00 A.M. or after 9:00 P.M.
Additionally, automated calls are only allowed by non-profits, political campaigns, government officials, and research groups. Automated calls relating to soliciting a sale of consumer goods or services are prohibited from contacting North Carolina residents. Penalties under North Carolina law can significantly exceed the penalties under federal law.
Lawyers for Harassing Text Messages
If you have received harassing phone calls, text messages, faxes, or emails, the broad protections afforded under both federal and state law may entitle you to money. For a free consultation, contact the civil litigation attorneys at Maginnis Howard. We represent TCPA clients across the Carolinas. Our firm handles harassing text messages and phone call cases on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Contact the firm at (919) 526-0450 or send a confidential email inquiry using our contact page.
