Are there consumer protections that cover the use of automated telephone systems?

Yes, Washington state has consumer protection laws that cover the use of automated telephone systems. The Washington Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulates how automated or prerecorded telephone calls, text messages, and faxes are used. It prohibits such automated calls, except in certain limited circumstances, including calls from political campaigns, school closings, and emergencies. The TCPA establishes certain requirements for any automated calls. These requirements include the caller identifying the business at the beginning of the call, disclosing that the call is an advertisement or a promotional message, and providing a phone number or address where the consumer can opt-out of future calls. The law also prohibits the use of automated calls without the consumer’s prior express written consent, which must include certain disclosures. In addition, the consumer must have a reasonable opportunity to opt-out of future calls and must be given clear instructions on how to do so. The TCPA also sets limits on when an automated call may be made, for example, such calls may not be made before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Lastly, automated calls cannot be used for collection of debts unless the consumer has agreed to that in writing. Overall, the Washington TCPA is designed to protect consumers from uninvited and unwelcome automated calls. Consumers who have been contacted by automated calls have the right to enforce their rights and seek damages under this law.

Related FAQs

Are there consumer protections related to the sale of medical products and services?
What are the consumer rights under the law?
Are there laws governing the advertising of products and services?
What are the laws governing product warranties?
Are there any consumer laws regarding the practice of surcharging?
Are there consumer protections in place for prepaid debit cards?
What consumer protections are available for rental housing?
What consumer rights do I have when it comes to debt collection?
Are there any consumer laws that protect against deceptive business practices?
How do consumer laws protect against deceptive pricing practices?

Related Blog Posts

Understanding Your Rights as a Consumer Under Consumer Law - July 31, 2023
What are the Laws in Place to Protect Consumers? - August 7, 2023
The Benefits of Having a Comprehensive Understanding of Consumer Law - August 14, 2023
An Overview of Consumer Protection Laws - August 21, 2023
The Dangers of Misunderstanding Consumer Law - August 28, 2023