‘Robocalls’ Now Illegal Without Written Consent

The final aspect of last year’s Telemarketing Sales Rule took effect today. Telemarketers now must obtain written consent from consumers, in advance, to solicit them via so-called “robocalls.”

The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, was instrumental in shaping the rule, which clamps down on those annoying, automated and pre-recorded messages hawking everything from air conditioning checkups to debt consolidation.

Fines for violating the order can run as high as $16,000 per call.

So we have to ask – who, really, is going to ask for robocalls to interrupt their dinner? Not us.