Pesky pre-recorded “robo-calls” were banned by the Federal Trade Commission on Thursday.
Those unwanted prerecorded commercial calls soliciting services like car warranties will be a thing of the past unless telemarketers have written permission from consumers that they want to receive these calls. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1, violators will face penalties up to $16,000 per call.
A few exceptions will be allowed, such as for charities, political candidates, phone companies and surveys.
Consumers who receive an unauthorized call starting Tuesday can file complaints with the commission online at www.ftc.gov or by calling (877) FTC-HELP.