FTC bans many types of ‘robocalls’
WASHINGTON - Americans tired of having dinner interrupted by phone calls touting car warranties and vacation packages will soon get some relief.
Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission said it is banning many types of prerecorded telemarketing solicitations, known as robocalls. Currently, consumers must specifically join a do-not-call list to avoid them. Starting Sept. 1, telemarketers will need written permission from the customer to make such calls.
Consumers “have made it crystal clear that few things annoy them more,’’ said Jon Leibowitz, FTC chairman.
Violators will face penalties of up to $16,000 per call. Don’t expect all solicitations to disappear, though. Calls not intended to sell goods and services will be exempt, such as those that provide information about flight cancellations. Debt collectors can call, too, along with politicians, charities, banks, insurers, and phone companies. Calls used for surveys and certain health care messages, such as prescription notifications, are also allowed.
