When you pick up a call only to hear the droning voice of an automation, it can be frustrating. You aren’t sure how or why these companies have your number. And above all, these robo calls are simply annoying.
If you think you’ve been receiving more of these than usual, you are certainly not alone.
The Federal Trade Commission reported a record number of calls in 2017, according to a report by The Verge. In 2017, the FTC received over 375, 000 complaints per month. In 2009, this number was at 63,000 complaints per month. When totaled up, the agency heard 4.5 million complaints in 2017 compared to 3.4 million total in 2016.
Why the sharp increase? According to The Verge, companies can use cheap autodialing and internet calling services. And much of the time, these calls have a local area code, prompting phone users to pick up. Calls pertained to services like timeshares, a luxury enjoyed by just 3% of U.S. households. Other scams include medications, warranties, and protection plans, the Verge reports.
While most phone users shake off these calls as annoying solicitations or scams, some people take action. One California women is suing a Denver-baed loan company for these calls, according to The Denver Post. She is seeking over $5 million in damages for herself and others, saying that the calls violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
According to The Denver Post, Tenley Hardin placed her phone number on the No Solicitation List in 2008, but she received these calls anyway. As a result, she received additional charges on her cell phone bill. At this time attorney Todd Friedman is seeking class action certification for the case and wants $1,500 for each person who has been on the list for at least 30 days.
