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Alabama Consumer Protection

Alabama Consumer Protection

Federal Laws for Consumer Protection in Alabama

  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): Exploring the key provisions of the TCPA, including the requirement of prior express consent for telemarketing calls, restrictions on the use of automated dialing systems and prerecorded messages, and the availability of statutory damages for violations.

  • Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR): Providing an overview of the TSR, which sets rules for telemarketers, including call abandonment limits, prohibitions on deceptive practices, and the establishment of the National Do Not Call Registry.

  • Truth in Caller ID Act: Detailing the provisions of this act, which prohibits the falsification of caller ID information with the intent to deceive or defraud.

  • TRACED Act: Explaining the enhanced enforcement powers and increased penalties provided by the TRACED Act, including measures to combat illegal robocalls, promote call authentication technologies, and extend the statute of limitations for prosecution.

State Laws for Consumer Protection in Alabama

State-Level Agencies and Laws Protecting Consumers against Robocalls, Telemarketers, and Debt Collection Calls in Alabama:

  1. Alabama Telemarketing Act (Section 8-19A-2): The Alabama Telemarketing Act regulates telemarketing practices and requires telemarketers to register with the state and comply with specific calling rules, including maintaining a "Do Not Call" list.

  2. Alabama Consumer Protection Act (Section 8-19A-6): The Alabama Consumer Protection Act prohibits deceptive trade practices, false advertising, and unfair business practices. It grants the Alabama Attorney General's Office authority to investigate and take action against businesses engaged in fraudulent activities.

  3. Alabama Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Section 8-19A-33): The Alabama Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides guidelines for debt collectors, ensuring they treat consumers fairly and do not engage in abusive or harassing practices.

Additional State-Level Agencies:

  1. Alabama Public Service Commission: Address: 100 North Union Street, RSA Union, Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 1-800-392-8050 or 1-334-242-5218 Email: consumercomplaints@psc.alabama.gov Website: https://psc.alabama.gov/consumer-services Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time)

The Alabama Public Service Commission regulates telecommunications services and handles consumer complaints related to telemarketing calls and telecommunications providers.

  1. Alabama Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division: Address: 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130 Phone: 1-334-242-7335 Email: consumer@ago.state.al.us Website: https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time)

The Consumer Protection Division of the Alabama Attorney General's Office investigates consumer complaints related to robocalls, telemarketing, and debt collection practices.

How to file a complaint:

To file a complaint against a robocaller or telemarketer for violating federal laws, you can follow these steps:

  1. Document the Details: Before filing a complaint, make sure to gather as much information as possible about the call, including the date, time, and phone number from which the call originated. Also, note any details about the content of the call and the company or individual involved.

  2. Identify the Applicable Federal Law: There are several federal laws that protect consumers from unwanted robocalls and telemarketing calls. Some of the key laws include:

  3. File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

    • Visit the FTC's Complaint Assistant website: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

    • Select the category "Telemarketing Calls" or "Robocalls" that best describes your complaint.

    • Follow the instructions to provide details about the call and the violator.

    • Submit the complaint.

  4. File a Complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

    • Visit the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center website: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us

    • Select the type of complaint you want to file, such as "Unwanted Calls" or "Robocalls."

    • Follow the instructions to provide the necessary information about the call and the caller.

    • Submit the complaint.

  5. Register Your Number on the National Do Not Call Registry: To reduce telemarketing calls, you can register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry online or by calling 1-888-382-1222

  6. Contact Your State Attorney General: Some states have their own laws and enforcement agencies related to telemarketing and robocalls. You can contact your State Attorney General's office to inquire about additional steps you can take to address the issue.

Remember, filing complaints with the FTC and FCC can help to enforce federal laws and protect other consumers from similar violations. While individual complaints may not always lead to immediate actions, they contribute to the agencies' overall enforcement efforts against unlawful telemarketers and robocalls.

 

Alabama Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division Address: 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130 Phone: 1-334-242-7335
Email:
Website: https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumer-complaint Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time)

 

How to Make a Report:

If you experience robocall violations, unsolicited telemarketing calls, or unfair debt collection practices in Alabama, you can file a complaint with the Alabama Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division. You can do this by visiting their website (https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint), sending an email to consumer@ago.state.al.us, or contacting them via phone at 1-334-242-7335. Provide details of the incident, including the caller's information, the date and time of the call, and any other relevant details. The Consumer Protection Division will review your complaint and take appropriate action to protect consumers' rights and privacy.

For issues related to telecommunications services and telemarketing calls, you can also contact the Alabama Public Service Commission by calling 1-800-392-8050 or sending an email to consumercomplaints@psc.alabama.gov. They will assist you with complaints related to telemarketing practices and telecommunications providers.

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