Man Receiving Robocall About Car Warranty

FCC’s Record Penalty Against Auto Warranty Robocall Scammers: Protecting Consumers from Deceptive Calls

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If you’ve ever been bombarded with robocalls offering fake car warranties and extended coverage, you’re not alone. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently imposed a historic $300 million fine on an international network of companies responsible for a vast auto warranty scam.

Making over five billion illegal robocalls to more than 500 million phone numbers in just three months, these scammers violated federal statutes, FCC regulations, and spoofing laws. They employed deceptive tactics, using fake caller IDs to mislead consumers and trick them into answering. This article dives into the details of the violation and offers actionable advice to protect yourself from such deceptive calls.

 

The Unprecedented FCC Penalty for Auto Warranty Scammers

The FCC’s enforcement action against the auto warranty robocall scheme resulted in a record-breaking $300 million fine. This international network of companies executed a complex scheme to make over five billion illegal robocalls within a three-month period in 2021. Their violations included making pre-recorded voice calls without consent, calling numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, and failing to provide an opt-out call-back number.

Moreover, they employed deceptive spoofing tactics using more than a million different caller IDs to hide their true identities and deceive victims.

 

The Deceptive Car Warranty Scam and Violations

Operating under various company names like Sumco Panama, Virtual Telecom, and more, this network of scammers peddled vehicle service contracts under the guise of selling auto warranties. Despite bans against making telemarketing calls, central players Roy M. Cox and Aaron Michael Jones continued their deceptive practices.

Their illegal robocalls promised car owners extended warranties and interest rate reduction programs, among other false claims. The FCC’s investigation found these calls to be part of a larger scheme to gain access to personal and financial information.

 

FCC’s Efforts to Stop the Robocall Menace

To combat the flood of illegal car warranty robocalls, the FCC took decisive action. They directed U.S.-based voice service providers to stop carrying traffic associated with specific members of the network, leading to a 99% reduction in these scam calls.

The FCC collaborated with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which filed a lawsuit against individuals involved in the operation under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The FCC’s successful partnership with state authorities aims to protect American consumers from fraudulent robocall campaigns.

 

Taking a Stand: Confronting Car Warranty Scammers

Amidst the barrage of car warranty robocalls, one person decided to take action. They recorded their interactions with the scammers and posted a video titled “Messing with the Car Warranty Scammers – 2021Compilation” on YouTube. The video garnered 3.7K views, exposing the extent of the issue.

The individual challenged the scammers’ deceptive tactics, highlighting that the calls were selling fake warranty coverage. Despite not qualifying for the scam, they confronted the callers, turning the tables on the relentless robocalls and inspiring others to stand up against such scams.

 

 

Protecting Yourself from Deceptive Robocalls

While the FCC’s enforcement actions are crucial, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself from deceptive robocalls.

  1. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially if they promise deals that seem too good to be true.
  2. Hang up if you suspect a robocall, and never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you’re sure about the caller’s identity.
  3. Register your phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls.
  4. Report any suspicious robocalls to the FCC and your state’s Attorney General’s Office.

 

Seeking Justice and Putting an End to Robocall Scams

The FCC’s record-breaking fine sends a strong message to scammers involved in illegal robocall operations. However, stopping these deceptive calls entirely requires collective action from consumers, law enforcement agencies, and legal professionals.

If you’ve been affected by auto warranty robocall scams or any other deceptive telemarketing practices, our law firm is here to help.

 

Contact us today at (973) 598-1980 for a free consultation, and together, we can seek justice, put an end to robocall scams, and protect consumers from falling victim to these pernicious schemes. Let’s take a stand against fraudulent robocalls and safeguard the integrity of U.S. communications networks.

 

Sources:

  • FCC Slams Record Penalty on Transnational Auto Warranty Robocalling Operation | TheDoNotCallList
  • FCC Imposes Record Fine on Transnational Illegal Robocalling Operation | FCC
  • FCC Fines Illegal Robocalling Company Record $300 MILLION After Making More Than Five Billion Calls To More Than 500 Million Phone Numbers In Three Months | NYbreaking

 

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Car Warranty Calls & the Do Not Call List

How to protect yourself from unsolicited calls related to car warranties: Tips and strategies for avoiding unwanted phone solicitations

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Unsolicited calls related to car warranties can be particularly annoying, as fraudulent companies often use scare tactics to convince consumers that their car warranty has expired and they need to purchase a new one. If you’re receiving unwanted phone solicitations related to car warranties, here are some tips and strategies to protect yourself.
 

Tip #1: Register with the Do Not Call List

The first step in protecting yourself from unsolicited calls is to register your phone number with the Do Not Call List. This will help prevent most unsolicited telemarketing calls from legitimate companies, including those related to car warranties. However, it won’t stop all calls, especially those from fraudulent or illegal companies.
 

Tip #2: Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers

If you receive a call from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message. If it’s a telemarketer related to car warranties, they will likely hang up without leaving a message.
 

Tip #3: Block known telemarketing numbers related to car warranties

If you receive calls from known telemarketing numbers related to car warranties, block them on your phone. This will prevent them from calling you in the future.
 

Tip #4: Be cautious of unsolicited calls related to car warranties

If you receive an unsolicited call related to car warranties, be cautious and do not give out any personal information. Instead, contact your car manufacturer or dealer directly to verify the information. Remember, legitimate companies will not pressure you to make a purchase or provide personal information over the phone.
 

Tip #5: Contact a lawyer

If you have received unsolicited calls related to car warranties despite taking all the necessary precautions, it’s important to contact a lawyer who specializes in Do Not Call List violations related to car warranties. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, determine if a violation has occurred, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also help you seek compensation for any damages you may have suffered as a result of the violation.
 

Conclusion

Unsolicited calls related to car warranties can be particularly frustrating and can often be scams. By following these tips and strategies, you can protect yourself from unwanted phone solicitations related to car warranties. Remember, you have the right to control who contacts you, and companies must abide by the law when making calls. If you have received unsolicited calls related to car warranties, contact a lawyer for the best chance of seeking justice and protecting your rights.

 

At our law firm, we specialize in representing consumers who have been contacted in violation of the Do Not Call List, especially related to car warranties. Contact us and let us help you take legal action to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve:

➡ Call us at (973) 598-1980 for a Free Consultation

Common Violations of the Do Not Call List: What Companies Can and Cannot Do When Contacting People on the List

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Common Violations of the Do Not Call List

Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash

 

The National Do Not Call Registry is a valuable tool for consumers to limit unwanted phone calls. Unfortunately, some companies still violate the rules and contact individuals who have registered their phone numbers on the list. In this article, we’ll explore the most common violations of the Do Not Call List by various companies, including telemarketers, debt collectors, and others.

 

Telemarketing Calls

One of the most common types of Do Not Call List violations is related to telemarketing calls. Telemarketers who violate the list often target individuals with fake offers, misleading promises, and high-pressure sales tactics. Even if you have previously done business with a company, it does not give them the right to call you if your number is on the Do Not Call List.

Telemarketers are prohibited from making unsolicited calls to individuals on the Do Not Call List. If you receive an unsolicited call from a telemarketer, you may have a case for a violation of the Do Not Call List.

 

Debt Collection Calls

Debt collectors are another common violator of the Do Not Call List. They may call repeatedly, threaten legal action, or use other aggressive tactics to collect debts. However, they must also follow the rules set forth by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other laws that protect consumers.

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot contact consumers at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. Debt collectors must also identify themselves, provide information about the debt, and honor any requests to stop calling.

 

Other Companies

While telemarketers and debt collectors are the most common violators of the Do Not Call List, other companies may also make unsolicited calls to consumers. For example, some companies may use robocalls or pre-recorded messages without the consumer’s prior written consent. Others may use false or misleading statements to convince consumers to buy their products or services.

 

What Companies Can and Cannot Do

Here are the most common rules that companies must follow when contacting individuals on the Do Not Call List:

  1. They cannot make unsolicited calls to consumers on the list.
  2. They cannot use pre-recorded messages unless the consumer has given prior written consent.
  3. They must identify themselves and the company they represent.
  4. They must honor any requests by the consumer to stop calling.
  5. They cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
  6. They must provide their phone number or a toll-free number that the consumer can use to opt-out of future calls.
  7. They cannot use false or misleading statements to get you to buy their products.

If a company violates any of these rules when contacting you, they could be in violation of the Do Not Call List and you may be entitled to compensation for any damages caused.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Do Not Call List Violations

The best way to protect yourself from Do Not Call List violations is to sign up for the list and be aware of your rights under the law. If you receive a call from a company, ask for their name and the name of the company they represent. If they do not provide this information, it is likely a scam.

If you receive an unsolicited call from a company, even though your number is on the Do Not Call List, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages caused. Our law firm specializes in representing consumers whose rights have been violated by companies that disregard the Do Not Call List. We offer a free consultation to consumers who have been contacted in violation of the list, including those related to car warranties. If you have received unsolicited calls from car warranty telemarketers or other companies, we can help you take legal action to protect your rights and seek compensation for any damages you may have suffered.

 

Contact us today at (973) 598-1980 for a free consultation and let us help you fight back against Do Not Call List violations. Remember, you have the right to control who contacts you, and companies must abide by the law when making calls. Don’t let companies take advantage of you – let us help you stand up for your rights.

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