The new rules to the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) go into effect today. Generally speaking, consumers should be overjoyed that their dinners will likely go uninterrupted by an automated call from a telemarketer, creditor or debt collector (provided that they did not provide express consent to have them make the call in the first place). But in the world full of mobile phones and text messaging, entities who have been auto generating offers and rewards need to take extra caution.
These new rules have been a hot topic in the legal world since the FCC issued them last year. Legal news and blogs have been all over the issue for months. Two key changes include the requirement of express consent and the end of the established relationship business exception.
Since I focus largely on payments and privacy, it seems appropriate to take a look at these significant changes to the TCPA, as they relate to merchants, creditors and debt collectors.
In the money and payments chain, merchants, creditors and debt collectors will also need to take extra caution and provide “clear and conspicuous disclosures” when obtaining “express consent” from their applicants and customers. They should make sure they have documented proof of this consent in the event that they are met with future allegations of TCPA violations, as there will likely be plenty. The cost for violation can be very high, starting from $500 up to $1500 per call. Just ask Papa John’s who recently had to fork over $16.5M when its affiliates had a marketer send out unwanted text messages for their pizzas.
This blog is for general information and educational purposes, not to provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.