The kinds of spam texts that are very prevalent in Nashville include fake toll and traffic fines that threaten vehicle registration or license suspension and demand immediate payment. This is not how such issues are handled, and if you have legitimate concerns, you should contact the official source directly through its website.
Another common tactic is blasting out wrong number style texts that share a casual note, like are we still getting together for dinner? The idea is to build trust and steer those who interact into fraudulent financial territory. Fake job opportunities are also a common information gathering scheme in Nashville, and requests for donations that go to nonexistent disaster relief efforts are another ploy that’s on the rise.
The primary federal regulation that helps protect consumers from unsolicited spam texts is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The protections afforded fall into several primary categories.
Marketing robotexts generally require your prior express written consent, and simply sharing your phone number doesn’t give a company permission to send you marketing texts.
Consenting to marketing texts does not permanently lock in your permission. Companies that send out text campaigns must offer consumers a reasonable means of revoking consent, and they must provide clear instructions for doing so.
In addition, the Federal Communications Commission implements time restrictions on when commercial texts can be sent. Quiet hours are before 8 AM and after 9 PM in the local time zone.
Tennessee law adds its own protections. Under the Tennessee Do-Not-Call/Do-Not-Text Telephone Sales Solicitation law, T.C.A. § 65-4-401 et seq., the Tennessee Public Utility Commission maintains a state “Do-Not-Call/Do-Not-Text Register.” It covers both landline and cell phone numbers of Tennessee residential subscribers. Businesses selling consumer goods and services generally can’t call or text numbers on the register.
Since July 1, 2023, the law’s protections expressly extend to text messages, not just calls. Exceptions apply, including when you’ve given express permission or have had a business relationship with the company within the past 12 months.
If you are being bombarded by spam texts, you have legal rights. TCPA includes serious financial penalties for each unsolicited text that is deemed to be in violation. This can translate to $500 per spam text you receive, and the amount is much higher for willful violations. Don’t wait to discuss your concerns with a seasoned spam text attorney.
Our practiced Nashville spam text message lawyers at The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi will spare no effort in our quest to help you, and we have reserves of impressive experience backing us up. Learn more by contacting us online or giving us a call at 844-542-7235 today.
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