Did you know violating the TCPA can cost up to $1,500 per call or text? The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) enforces strict rules on robocalls, texts, and faxes made without consent. Each violation starts at $500 and triples to $1,500 for willful violations. Here’s a quick look at the top 5 TCPA violations that lead to hefty fines:
- Unauthorized Texts: $500–$1,500 per message for sending texts without permission.
- Calling Numbers on the Do Not Call Registry: $500–$1,500 per call to registered numbers.
- Using Autodialers Without Consent: $500–$1,500 per autodialed call or text.
- Ignoring Stop-Contact Requests: $500–$1,500 per call after a "stop" request.
- Dialing Reassigned Numbers: $500–$1,500 per call to numbers reassigned to new owners.
Quick Tip: Platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com can help you document violations and file complaints. Stay informed, protect your rights, and avoid unwanted fines.
How To Handle A TCPA/DNC LAWSUIT & FINES!??.. Do You …
TCPA Fine Structure
Under the TCPA, fines are applied per call, text, or fax. Each unauthorized communication results in a $500 fine, which increases to $1,500 if the violation is deemed willful or intentional.
| Violation Type | Fine per Incident | Total for 1,000 Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $500 | $500,000 |
| Willful/Knowing | $1,500 | $1,500,000 |
It’s worth noting that a single call can lead to multiple fines. For instance, you could face a $500 penalty for contacting a number on the Do Not Call list and an additional $500 for using an autodialer without proper consent.
Up next, we’ll break down the most common TCPA violations that result in these penalties.
1. Sending Text Messages Without Permission
Under the TCPA, text messages are subject to penalties on a per-message basis. If a non-emergency text is sent without prior express consent, it violates the TCPA. Each unauthorized message comes with a $500 fine, which can rise to $1,500 if the violation is found to be intentional. For instance, a retailer sending promotional texts to customers who never agreed to receive them could face a $500 penalty for every message. Platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com assist consumers in reporting such texts and help them claim the $500-per-message recovery.
2. Calling Do Not Call Registry Numbers
Calling phone numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry without prior express consent is a violation of the TCPA. Each violation can result in $500 in damages per call. Platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com investigate these calls, document violations, and take legal action – all at no cost to the consumer.
To stay compliant, businesses are required to regularly update and scrub their call lists against the Do Not Call Registry [2].
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3. Using Autodialers Without Consent
Using autodialers without getting consent can lead to hefty fines for every single call. Under the TCPA, using an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) to make calls or send texts without prior express consent is a violation. Each unauthorized call or text results in a $500 penalty, which can climb to $1,500 if the violation is found to be intentional.
Platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com help users by tracking details like dates, times, numbers, and messages from these autodialed calls. They also assist in sending cease-and-desist letters or filing formal complaints – all at no cost to the user.
4. Ignoring Stop-Contact Requests
Once you’ve addressed autodialer consent, it’s crucial to understand what happens when someone revokes their permission:
Consumers have the right to withdraw their telemarketing consent at any time and through any reasonable method. If a consumer says, "stop calling me" or "remove me from your list", telemarketers are legally required to stop calling. Ignoring such a request can result in a $500 fine for each violation.
To build a strong case, keep a record of your revocation. Note the date, time, caller ID, and any follow-up calls you receive. This documentation can help platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com enforce your rights.
Next, let’s dive into the issue of dialing reassigned phone numbers.
5. Dialing Reassigned Phone Numbers
Calling a reassigned phone number without the current owner’s explicit consent is a violation of the TCPA. Each call can result in a $500 fine, and this amount can rise to $1,500 per call if the violation is intentional. If you receive calls intended for the previous owner of your number, keep a record of these incidents. You can report them through platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com, which helps document cases and file complaints under consumer protection laws.
TCPA Fine Comparison Chart
Here’s a breakdown of TCPA fines based on violation type and call volume:
| Violation Type | Per-Call Fine | Fine for 100 Calls | Fine for 1,000 Calls | Fine for 10,000 Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Violation | $500 | $50,000 | $500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Willful/Knowing Violation | $1,500 | $150,000 | $1,500,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Multiple Violations Per Call* | $1,000+ | $100,000+ | $1,000,000+ | $10,000,000+ |
*This applies when multiple TCPA rules are violated in a single call (e.g., using an autodialer without consent while contacting a number on the Do Not Call list).
Conclusion
Understanding the top five per-call violations and their fines is crucial for protecting yourself and your business.
Fines for TCPA violations can reach up to $1,500 per call or text, making compliance and proper documentation critical. Keeping detailed records of unwanted calls or texts – such as dates, times, phone numbers, and message content – can help you take action. You can report these incidents at ReportTelemarketer.com, which offers free investigations and may issue cease-and-desist letters or formal complaints if necessary.
TCPA violations are serious legal issues. Staying informed about your rights and using tools like this can help reduce unwanted communications while holding violators accountable.
