Alexis Buese Featured in One Expert, One Topic Blog Series Discussing Telemarketing Litigation

Bradley partner Alexis Buese was featured in the TJ Thinakaran blog series “One Expert, One Topic” on her experience in telemarketing litigation.

Buese’s discussion included her knowledge of Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Florida Telephone Solicitation Act (FTSA), and other state-specific telemarketing and consumer protection laws:

In today’s interconnected world, where communication technologies play a pivotal role in business operations, understanding and adhering to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and state-specific telephone solicitation laws are crucial for any business. The TCPA, established to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls and messages, has far-reaching implications for businesses that use phones, text messages, and faxes for marketing or communication purposes.

Understanding the intricacies of the TCPA and telephone solicitation laws is crucial for businesses engaged in telemarketing and customer outreach. This topic is highly relevant to businesses of all sizes because it directly impacts how they can legally communicate with consumers.

The TCPA and various state laws provide a comprehensive framework for consumer outreach, emphasizing the need for consent, the timing and frequency of communication, adherence to Do Not Call lists, and strategies for reassigned numbers. Under the TCPA, telemarketing calls require express written consent, including a clear agreement with the consumer’s signature. For non-marketing calls, implied consent is often sufficient. Communications must adhere to frequency limitations, typically once per day and three times per week, and offer clear opt-out options. Businesses must comply with the National Do Not Call Registry and maintain their internal Do Not Call lists, respecting opt-out requests for at least five years. Additionally, with reassigned numbers, any previous consent becomes invalid, necessitating strategies to address this risk. Recent updates have further refined these regulations, particularly concerning lead generation, requiring prior express written consent for each consumer contact through automated means.

• Compliance Risks: The TCPA sets strict guidelines on telemarketing calls, texts, and fax communications. Non-compliance can lead to substantial legal and financial repercussions. Ignoring these regulations can result in hefty fines and penalties, which can be crippling, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Consumer Privacy and Trust: In an age where consumer privacy is paramount, failure to adhere to these laws can damage the trust between a business and its customers, potentially leading to a loss of business and a tarnished reputation.

Potential Consequences

• Legal Action: Businesses that do not comply with the TCPA face a high risk of class action lawsuits. These lawsuits can be expensive and time-consuming, diverting resources from core business activities.
• Financial Losses: The fines for TCPA violations can reach up to $1,500 per violation. For campaigns that reach thousands of consumers, the financial impact can be substantial.

Benefits of Understanding TCPA

• Risk Mitigation: A deep understanding of the TCPA enables businesses to implement compliant communication strategies, significantly reducing the risk of legal challenges and fines.
• Customer Confidence: By respecting consumer rights and privacy, businesses can build stronger, more trusting relationships with their customers, enhancing customer loyalty and brand reputation.
• Competitive Advantage: In a marketplace where many companies push the limits of legal telemarketing practices, those that adhere strictly to TCPA guidelines can differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge.
• Innovation and Adaptation: Understanding the nuances of the TCPA encourages businesses to innovate and find new, compliant ways to engage with customers, keeping them ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In essence, the importance of TCPA and telephone solicitation compliance cannot be overstated. It’s not just a legal obligation; it’s a cornerstone of business practices and customer relationship management. Those who invest time in understanding and applying these laws can safeguard their business, foster customer loyalty, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

The blog post, “One Expert, One Topic—Alexis Buese Talks Telephone Solicitation,” was published on January 31, 2024.