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.

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