AG Zoeller files lawsuit against California telemarketer accused of robocalling, violating Do Not Call list INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is taking action against a telemarketer accused of calling Hoosiers registered on the state’s Do Not Call list and making illegal robocalls. A lawsuit has been filed against Peter Tolman of California, doing business as Leads Direct Marketing, for placing calls to protected numbers in an attempt to sell home security systems, home security monitoring services and related products. Almost all of the calls made were “robocalls,” meaning the caller used an automatic dialing device to disseminate a prerecorded voice message. According to the lawsuit filed in Marion County court, the Attorney General’s Office received 60 complaints against this caller from Indiana residents, most of whom are from the Indianapolis area. Of the 60 complaints, 55 were on the Do Not Call List at the time of the telephone calls. Many Indiana residents who filed complaints reported receiving calls from the company multiple times per week. “Do Not Call means exactly that in Indiana. Constantly dodging unwanted calls is frustrating and tiresome, especially when the same calls come in over and over again,” Zoeller said. “My office hears from Hoosiers every day who are being harassed by telemarketers, which is why I’ve made telephone privacy a priority. I take violations of the Do Not Call list and our robocalling statutes very seriously, and urge people to file complaints with my office if they are being targeted.” Since Indianas Do Not Call law took effect in January of 2002, the Attorney Generals Office has obtained 314 settlements with, or judgments against, telemarketers resulting in awards of penalties and costs totaling more than $22 million. In Indiana, most robocalls are illegal regardless of whether or not a consumer’s number is registered on the Do Not Call list. Exceptions include calls from school districts to students, parents or employees and businesses advising employees of work schedules. It is also legal if a live phone operator first obtains the person’s permission before playing a pre-recorded message. Zoeller said the next quarterly deadline to sign up for the Do Not Call list and help block annoying sales calls and text messages is midnight ET on Nov. 18. Individuals do not need to re-register unless their address has changed. To sign up, visit IndianaConsumer or call 1.888.834.9969. Out-of-state area codes can also be added as long as the billing address is located in Indiana. To file a Do Not Call or robocalling consumer complaint, visit IndianaConsumer or call 1.888.834.9969.
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 14:44:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015