Equifax Class Action

As a result of the massive data breach that was made public on September 7th, Equifax is facing what may end up being the largest class action lawsuit in U.S. history. The suit, filed in a Portland Federal Court, is seeking damages of up to $70 billion. While most companies in the direct marketing industry won't ever have to worry about anything that substantial, the risks of facing an expensive lawsuit for consumer privacy violations is very real. Read more about the Equifax class action here. If you are a telemarketer trying to comply with consumer protection laws, contact a telemarketing attorney and consider having a telemarketing audit performed. There are many important aspects of telemarketing compliance to be aware of.

Office Supply Telemarketers to Pay $7 Million to Settle FTC Charges

Telestar Consulting Inc., a seller of office supplies, has agreed to pay $7 million to settle FTC allegations that they billed customers for products that they never ordered. The settlement also bans Telestar and its owners from telemarketing non-durable office, cleaning, educational and art supplies to consumers, among other things. The Better Business Bureau had received numerous complaints about the company, which likely sparked the FTC charges. This should serve as a reminder to all telemarketing companies about the importance of resolving consumer complaints before they escalate. Read more about this case here. Consider having a telemarketing lawyer examine your compliance with telemarketing rules such as autodialer laws, robocall laws, do not call regulations, etc.

Man from Texas Fined by Kansas Attorney General

Texas business owner Bryan Sean Sturrock was recently fined $2,500 by the Kansas Attorney General's office for violating the state's No-Call Act. A copy of the consent judgement can be read here, and a local news story with more information can be found here. Telemarketing businesses need to ensure they are compliant with the laws of both the state they are calling from and the state they are calling into. Make sure you understand state by state telemarketing license regulations, telemarketing bonds, how to respond to an attorney general, etc.