Verizon Wireless settles with telemarketers over calls

March 26, 2009

A telemarketing company that allegedly called 500,000 Verizon Wireless customers last month for the purpose of advertising has settled a lawsuit brought by the cellular phone service provider.

Verizon Wireless said it reached a settlement with Feature Films for Families, a Utah-based telemarketing company, for illegally calling Verizon Wireless customers and employees. The telemarketer has agreed to a $25,000 cash settlement, which Verizon said it is donating to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH).

"Our customers' privacy is of utmost importance to Verizon Wireless, and we work every day to ensure it is protected. Telemarketers cannot be allowed to use unlawful methods to reach our customers and to invade their privacy," said Steven E. Zipperstein, vice president and general counsel for Verizon Wireless.

NDVH CEO Sheryl Cates said the group's partnership with Verizon Wireless provides free and confidential professional support for victims of domestic violence. Customers can reach the service by dialing #HOPE from any Verizon Wireless phone for toll- and airtime-free contact with the hotline.

The Hotline can also be reached toll-free at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Verizon Wireless has won a permanent injunction against individuals and companies that have engaged in illegal telemarketing and text message spamming to Verizon Wireless customers.

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