Nothing is more frustrating than running to answer your phone only to find out it is a spam call. No matter how often you block these calls, they keep coming. Before your frustrations continue to mount, know that the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) outlines rules empowering you to stop these calls from coming. If the calls continue, you may be able to be compensated. Read on for more information. 

What Is TCPA?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act is significant legislation that protects you from telemarketer harassment, spam, and robocalls. This act allows you to sue and collect payment from any telemarketer who breaks this law. 

TCPA specifically instructs telemarketers not to contact people without their prior permission. This act covers all forms of communication, including cell phones, home phones, and fax machines. TCPA also covers calls, texts, or any form of communication made by automated dialing systems. 

What Are Your Rights Under TCPA?

Under TCPA, debt collectors or telemarketers must have your permission to contact you. Be aware in the case of debt; you may authorize this consent in the small print when you contract for the debt. If a third-party debt collection company purchases your debt, this permission does not convey. 

Even if a company has your permission, they cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Calling outside these times is a law violation.

The company must also respect your request not to call again. Once you request the company not to contact you again, keep a log of who you made the request from, and the date and time of your request. Any future calls are a violation of the law. 

Telemarketers or debt collectors must provide their names and the business they are calling from or about. They cannot block their numbers from your caller ID. The companies are also supposed to provide you with a telephone number to contact them.

What Steps Do You Need To Take?

First, register your numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. While many companies do not respect this list, it can help reduce unsolicited calls.

If you feel a company violates TCPA, hire a consumer debt attorney and file a lawsuit to stop spam calls. The court may award you $500 to $1500 per violation if you prove your case. 

Not only should you write down the company's information but also record the call, especially if you feel they violate the law. This log and recording become vital evidence in your case. 

Contact a local law firm to learn more about how to stop spam calls.