Undisclosed
Settlement
TCPA class action against the Los Angeles Times. Final approval granted 2014.
Key Takeaways
- TCPA prohibits autodialed calls and texts to cell phones without prior express consent
- Each violation can result in $500-$1,500 in statutory damages per call or text
- National Do Not Call Registry violations trigger separate penalties
- California’s automatic renewal law adds state-level protections
- Document unwanted calls with screenshots, call logs, and recordings where legal
Illegal robocalls and unwanted telemarketing remain among the most common consumer complaints despite federal and state laws prohibiting these practices. Understanding your rights enables consumers to stop unwanted calls and recover compensation for violations. The consumer protection attorneys at Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. are leading experts in TCPA litigation, having recovered substantial damages for victims of illegal robocalls.
Understanding the TCPA and California Consumer Protection Laws
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits making calls using automatic telephone dialing systems or prerecorded messages to cell phones without prior express consent. California adds additional protections through its automatic renewal law and unfair competition statutes.
Types of Illegal Robocalls and Text Messages
TCPA violations include autodialed marketing calls to cell phones without consent, prerecorded telemarketing messages, autodialed text messages, and continued calls after requesting to be placed on a do-not-call list.
Even calls from companies you previously did business with may violate the TCPA if you revoked consent or if the calls use autodialing equipment without proper consent.
Do Not Call Registry Violations
The National Do Not Call Registry prohibits telemarketing calls to registered numbers unless the consumer has an established business relationship with the caller. Violations occur when telemarketers ignore do-not-call requests or call registered numbers without permission.
Damages Available for TCPA Violations
Each TCPA violation entitles consumers to $500 in statutory damages, increasing to $1,500 per violation for willful or knowing violations. Consumers receiving numerous illegal calls can accumulate substantial damages.
How to Document Robocall Violations
Save voicemails from robocallers and take screenshots of text messages showing phone numbers and timestamps. Maintain detailed call logs recording dates, times, and caller ID information. In California, you can record calls without the other party’s consent to document violations.
Class Actions vs. Individual TCPA Claims
TCPA claims can proceed as individual actions or class actions depending on the scope of violations. Class actions aggregate claims from multiple affected consumers while individual actions may provide faster resolution and full statutory damages.
Conclusion: Stop Illegal Robocalls and Get Paid
If you’re being bombarded with illegal robocalls and unwanted text messages, you don’t have to suffer in silence. The TCPA gives you the right to fight back and recover substantial compensation—up to $1,500 per illegal call or text. These damages can add up quickly, especially when companies engage in systematic calling campaigns.
Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. is nationally recognized for our TCPA litigation practice. We’ve successfully prosecuted hundreds of cases against robocallers, telemarketers, and companies that violate consumer privacy rights. Our attorneys know how to document violations, build compelling cases, and maximize recoveries for our clients. If you’re receiving illegal robocalls or texts, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and help you stop the calls while recovering the compensation you deserve.
