What is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)?
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that was passed in 1991 to protect consumers from unwanted calls, text messages, and faxes. The TCPA regulates the use of automatic dialing systems, artificial or pre-recorded voice messages, SMS text messages, and fax machines. It restricts the use of these technologies by telemarketers and organizations to contact consumers without their consent. In Hawaii, the TCPA requires telemarketers to provide contact information, such as business name and telephone number, at the beginning of each call. Additionally, telemarketers must obtain written consent from the consumer prior to initiating any pre-recorded phone calls. Companies are prohibited from calling a consumer’s landline or cell phone more than once in a 12-month period without their consent. The TCPA also makes it illegal to send unsolicited text messages or faxes to consumers. Companies that violate the TCPA can face fines of up to $500 for each violation. Consumers who are harassed by unwanted calls, text messages, or faxes can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC can then investigate the complaint and take legal action if needed. In summary, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that was passed to protect consumers from unwanted calls, text messages, and faxes. It requires telemarketers to obtain written consent before initiating any calls and prohibits them from calling a consumer more than once in a 12-month period without consent. Companies that violate the TCPA can face fines of up to $500 for each violation.
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