Verizon Wireless suing telemarketing companies over cellular calls
April 29, 2009
Verizon Wireless said today it is suing several telemarketing companies to stop them from calling wireless customers with offers for an extended car warranty.
The lawsuit alleges violations of the Federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which makes it illegal to use an autodialer to make calls to wireless phones. Since 2004, Verizon Wireless has brought nearly 20 lawsuits against wireless spammers, telemarketers and pretexters, the company said.
"Telemarketers continue to harass our customers with these pitches for extended auto warranties, among other offers," said Steven E. Zipperstein, vice president and general counsel of Verizon Wireless. "Whatever it is they are selling, these unlawful telemarketing calls are an annoyance to our customers and invade their privacy and we will continue using all the legal weapons in our arsenal to stop this activity and protect our customers."
The lawsuit alleges three companies have used an autodialer to Verizon customers which leaves a pre-recorded voice message indicating that a car warranty is about to expire and urging the recipient to press "1" to speak to a representative.
When customers and employees have attempted to call the number that appeared on the caller ID, they have received an automated message indication that the call was received "in error," Verizon said.
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