
Did you know companies can face fines of up to $500 per unwanted call or text under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)? Over the years, several high-profile settlements have highlighted the importance of consumer privacy and compliance with telemarketing laws. Here’s a quick look at the top TCPA settlements:
- AT&T Mobility ($45M, 2014): Automated calls to 100,000+ subscribers without consent.
- Capital One ($75.5M, 2014): Unauthorized robocalls, one of the largest TCPA settlements.
- Caribbean Cruise Line ($76M, 2016): Telemarketing calls to numbers on the Do Not Call registry.
- Dish Network ($61M, 2017): Over 1M unauthorized calls and voicemails.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield NC ($1.6M, 2025): Telemarketing to policyholders without proper consent.
- Citibank ($29.5M, 2024): Automated calls to 200,000+ customers without authorization.
- GoDaddy.com ($35M, 2024): Marketing texts sent without consent.
Quick Tips to Protect Yourself:
- Keep detailed records of unwanted calls or texts.
- Report violations at ReportTelemarketer.com.
- Understand your rights under the TCPA and consult an attorney if needed.
These cases show how consumers can fight back against unwanted communications and hold companies accountable. Let’s explore each case and what they mean for your rights.
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Understanding TCPA Settlements
TCPA settlements address violations by providing compensation to consumers for unwanted calls and requiring companies to improve their calling practices. These agreements not only offer financial relief but also push businesses to adhere to consumer protection laws.
Here are a few tips to strengthen your claim:
- Submit claims before the deadlines.
- Keep detailed records of calls, including logs, records, and messages.
- Report unwanted calls at ReportTelemarketer.com.
- Consult an attorney to guide you through the claims process.
With this foundation in mind, let’s dive into seven major cases that highlight how TCPA settlements work.
1. AT&T Mobility: $45 Million Settlement (2014)
In 2014, AT&T Mobility agreed to a $45 million settlement after making automated calls to over 100,000 subscribers without their consent between 2009 and 2014. This case highlighted that even major carriers can face substantial financial consequences for violating consumer rights.
AT&T’s settlement underscores the importance of keeping detailed call records and reporting violations promptly. These actions played a key role in helping affected consumers secure compensation. It’s a clear reminder that even industry giants are accountable under TCPA regulations.
2. Capital One: $75.5 Million Settlement (2014)
In 2014, Capital One agreed to a $75.5 million settlement to resolve claims under the TCPA for making unauthorized automated calls. This settlement stands out as one of the largest related to TCPA violations. It reinforced the importance of businesses obtaining explicit consent before making automated calls to cell phones. Under the TCPA, consumers are entitled to $500 for each unauthorized call.
If you’re dealing with unwanted robocalls, you can document them and report violations through ReportTelemarketer.com. This free platform helps users file Do Not Call complaints and seek statutory damages.
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3. Caribbean Cruise Line: $76 Million Settlement (2016)
Between 2012 and 2015, Caribbean Cruise Line made more than 150,000 prerecorded telemarketing calls to cell phones without obtaining prior consent. These calls promoted vacation packages, even targeting consumers listed on the Do Not Call registry, violating federal regulations.
In 2016, the company reached a $76 million settlement to address these violations, equating to about $500 per call. Along with the financial penalty, Caribbean Cruise Line updated its procedures, including mandatory checks against the Do Not Call registry to prevent future infractions.
If you’re receiving unwanted calls, keep a record of the dates and numbers involved. You can report violations at ReportTelemarketer.com.
Next, let’s look at Dish Network’s $61 million settlement and what it teaches us about protecting consumer privacy.
4. Dish Network: $61 Million Settlement (2017)
In 2017, Dish Network agreed to pay $61 million to settle a TCPA class-action lawsuit. The case involved unauthorized calls and prerecorded voicemails made to over one million consumers between 2012 and 2016. As part of the settlement, claimants received around $40–$50 each. Dish also had to enhance its practices by adding real-time Do Not Call list screening and improving its autodialer compliance protocols [2]. This case highlights the importance of keeping detailed records of every call – such as the date, time, and caller ID – to support any future claims. Up next, we’ll look at Blue Cross Blue Shield NC’s $1.6 million settlement and what it reveals about changing compliance standards.
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5. Blue Cross Blue Shield NC: $1.6 Million Settlement (2025)
In January 2025, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina settled for $1.6 million over telemarketing calls made to policyholders without proper consent. This case serves as a reminder that even large organizations must comply with telemarketing laws.
Here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself from unwanted calls:
- Understand your rights: Review consent terms carefully and know your protections under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
- Use call-blocking tools: These can help filter out unwanted or spam calls.
- Report violations: File complaints through platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com to seek potential compensation.
6. Citibank TCPA Settlement (2024)
In 2024, Citibank agreed to pay $29.5 million to settle claims that it made automated calls to over 200,000 customers’ cell phones without proper authorization.
This case, like those involving Dish Network and Caribbean Cruise Line, emphasizes the importance of honoring revocation requests and maintaining strict compliance with autodialer regulations. Following the settlement, Citibank was required to improve its practices to respect revocation requests and ensure better adherence to the rules.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Keep records of every call: Note the date, time, and caller ID for each call you receive.
- Revoke consent in writing: Clearly communicate your request to stop receiving calls.
- Verify consent boundaries: Before sharing your number, confirm how it will be used.
- Report violations: Use platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com to report any breaches.
Up next, we’ll take a closer look at GoDaddy.com’s proposed $35 million settlement and what it means for consumers.
7. GoDaddy.com: $35 Million Proposed Settlement (2024)
From 2019 to 2023, GoDaddy sent more than 200,000 marketing texts to consumers without obtaining proper consent. This led to a preliminary $35 million settlement agreement in December 2024, which is still awaiting court approval. If finalized, eligible class members could receive payments estimated between $150 and $200. The case addresses violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Similar to the Dish Network and Citibank cases, this settlement highlights the importance of managing and documenting consent properly. To safeguard yourself from similar violations, consider these steps:
- Document all unwanted texts or calls for evidence.
- Submit written requests to revoke consent if needed.
- Keep records of marketing communications you receive.
- Report violations through platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com.
These cases serve as a reminder for consumers to stay vigilant and proactive when dealing with unauthorized marketing communications. Up next, we’ll break down how to apply these lessons to protect yourself under the TCPA.
What These Settlements Mean for You
These settlements reveal how much companies are willing to pay for breaking rules about unwanted calls, showing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) can enforce penalties of $500 per call. ReportTelemarketer.com takes care of investigations, stops the calls for free, and ensures violators cover attorney fees.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Report unwanted calls or texts: Visit ReportTelemarketer.com and provide details like dates, times, and phone numbers [2].
- Assist investigators: Share additional information if requested to strengthen the case [2].
- Let the experts handle it: ReportTelemarketer.com manages the entire process, from sending cease-and-desist letters to pursuing legal actions – at no cost to you.
How the Process Works
- File a report: Submit details about the unwanted call, and investigators will check consent and calling practices [2].
- Legal action: Cease-and-desist letters or formal complaints are sent if violations are found [2].
- Resolution: Calls stop, and you could receive $500 for each violation.
ReportTelemarketer.com has already assisted over 30,000 people in tackling telemarketing violations. They investigate reports to confirm if calls were made without consent and take action by filing cease-and-desist letters or formal complaints when necessary.
Settlement Cases at a Glance
TCPA cases often result in settlements worth millions, with recurring themes such as:
- Unwanted calls, robocalls, spam texts, and violations of the Do-Not-Call list.
- Actions taken through cease-and-desist letters and formal complaints.
- Potential recovery of up to $500 per violation.
These cases emphasize how important it is to secure proper consent before making marketing calls or sending automated messages. These examples can help you better understand your rights under the TCPA and how to protect them effectively.
Next Steps
Here’s how you can take action if your TCPA rights have been violated:
- Keep a record of every call or text: Note the date, time, phone number, and details of the message or conversation. This documentation is crucial.
- Report the issue at ReportTelemarketer.com: Our legal team will review your case and take action, such as sending cease-and-desist letters or filing complaints. This service is provided at no cost to you, as attorney fees are recovered from the violators.
- Stay informed about potential claims: If you qualify, our team will reach out to discuss individual or class action claims. You can also request written information about the law firm’s experience – completely free.
- Contact us for data-related requests: For updates, data access, or deletion requests, email us at support@ReportTelemarketer.com.
Take these steps to protect your rights and put an end to unwanted calls and texts.