[ad_1]
NORFOLK, Va. – It's not just you. Virginia recognizes the growing number of illegal automated calls with a new law that could punish companies that sell the products or services offered during calls.
Governor Northam signed the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act, which, effective July 1, aims to keep telemarketers and sellers responsible for illegal calls and other violations.
Senator Dick Black, who sponsored the original bill, said he wanted to broaden the scope of responsibilities of people behind the rise of irritating spam calls.
RELATED: Virginia Attorney General says automated calls are getting worse
At Hampton Roads, frustrated people reported receiving automated and unsolicited calls daily about car warranties, credit cards, motels, timeshares, health care and many other topics.
"It's very personal that someone calls your cell phone," said Tara Baptist. "I do not give my cell phone to people I do not know, so it's kind of intruding into my privacy, honestly."
The FCC has stated that each year about 60% of its 200,000 complaints involve automated calls.
The recent 13News Now Automated Call Survey revealed that Virginia was ranked seventh last year for the number of complaints filed with the Do Not Call Registry.
"It's a little time to cheat on your life.Life is very over and I love spending every minute doing something good or enjoyable," said Chris Jacobsen.
According to Mr. Black, Virginian's lawyers will now be able to sue vendors of telemarketing products and services, which he believes will discourage the spread of automated calls and consumer irritation.
"Hopefully the end of the outcome will lessen what they do," Baptist said. "It's a shame that you had to take it to sue the company."
RELATED: CHECK: what is being done to combat annoying automated calls?
[ad_2]
Source link
