If you’re sick of hearing an automated message when you pick up your phone, you’ll be happy to know the Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on illegal robocalls.
A robocall happens any time you pick up your phone and hear a recording instead of a live person.
Illegal robocalls have exploded in the last several years because technology has made it easy for companies to use autodialers to place thousands of calls every minute. Oftentimes these calls are trying to scam you by offering phony credit card services, warranty protection plans and more.
It is illegal for a company to deliver an automated message trying to sell you something, unless the company has written permission from you to do so.
Calls from charities and political groups do not fall under that classification and are considered legal.
According to the FTC, if you get a robocall you should:
- Hang Up. Do not press 1 or any other numbers to get off the list.
- Consider blocking the number.
- Report it at www.donotcall.gov.
Learn more about what the FTC is doing to crack down on robocalls and what you should do if you receive one.
A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau probe into Capital One credit card marketing practices resulted in $140 million in consumer refunds. If you’re eligible, the money will automatically be distributed to you. Learn more.
From the Federal Trade Commission:
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, charged Skechers with making unfounded claims that its Shape-ups and other “toning shoes” would help people lose weight and tone their buttocks, legs, and abdominal muscles.
To settle the case, Skechers USA has agreed to pay $40 million to provide refunds to people who bought Skechers toning shoes.
Learn more about the refunds, how to apply, and how to avoid misleading marketing claims at ftc.gov/sketchers.
FTC staff will also answer questions about the settlement online on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. Follow the @FTC on Twitter and ask questions using the hashtag #FTCbcp. Questions can also be posted to the FTC’s Facebook page.
Use this handy guide to find the right place to report your problem and file a complaint. You’ll find out how to effectively report issues about loans, identity theft, housing discrimination and more.
If you have an issue with a product or service you’ve received from a company, you can use our sample complaint letter to help resolve the problem. We provide a basic template that you can customize to clearly explain the issue you had and how you would like the problem to be resolved.
