Robocall Telemarketing

Many businesses illegally seek to advertise their services or products with robo-calls.

An automatic dialing and announcing device (“ADAD”) automatically dials telephone numbers and plays a recorded message once a connection is made. These are the annoying calls that disturb us during our day, or while having our meals or relaxing with our families. If the phone is picked up, you will hear a computer recorded voice attempt to solicit your interest in goods or services the business sells. Like junk faxes, these calls are illegal under both state and federal law, and also the callers are liable for $500 for each illegal call made. Under Washington law, use of ADAD devices for commercial solicitation in our state is prohibited by statute, and is also a violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act. ADAD calls to residences, cell phones and businesses are also restricted by Federal law. Both Washington State Law and Federal Law impose penalties for violation of statutes regulating ADAD calls. Washington Law provides for the award of attorney’s fees to those who successfully seek enforcement of the laws.

Our firm has brought a number of class action lawsuits against businesses that utilize ADAD machines to solicit consumers to purchase property, goods or services. If you are interested in taking action against these offending businesses, try to save the messages left by ADAD callers so that we can listen to the recordings and determine whether potential legal claims exist. In addition, where messages have not been saved but you can recall the date and content of ADAD calls received, there can be a viable class action claim.

We are glad to provide a free telephone consultation to recipients of ADAD telephone calls or respond to emails regarding the potential illegality of particular calls received. We are also happy to answer questions concerning State and Federal laws prohibiting ADAD calls, and the progress of ADAD class action litigation in Washington and nationwide.

We have brought suits against many companies that blast clients with these unwelcome calls. Settlements have been reached against Verizon, Automotive Warranty and two companies offering to make loans to businesses, Capital Options and Direct Capital. We have cases pending against Inuit, Talbot’s, Tween Brands, and Payless Shoes. We have also filed suits against collection agencies that make these calls to clients’ cell phone numbers.