The number of lawsuits invoking the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) has gone up dramatically since 2014, the same year that lawsuits surrounding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) officially fell below 10,000. These two federal laws aim to protect consumer privacy from demanding telemarketers and debt collection companies. Often times, such companies stop at nothing to pressure consumers into taking certain actions, such as paying a debt they may not even owe.
FDCPA claims filed by consumers fell for the first time in 2012 and has spurred a downward trend. From 2004 to 2011, FDCPA claims steadily rose from just under 3,000 to over 12,000. Since then, FDCPA claims have been on the decline. More recently, FDCPA cases dropped 12% from 11,816 in 2015 to 10,402 in 2016. One can expect the trend of declining FDCPA suits to continue in 2017.
Contrastly, TCPA cases filed by consumers have consistently increased in dramatic fashion. Less than a decade ago, TCPA claims were only a minor issue as they remained below 500 from 2008 to 2010. From 2012 to 2013, TCPA claims climbed 70% and another 25% from 2013 to 2014, reaching 2,336 filed suits. They were expected to exceed 5,000 in 2016 after coming to a total of 3,867 in 2015, but they fell just short of the mark. TCPA cases totaled 4,860 in 2016 contrary to projections.
Per the TCPA, businesses are not allowed to reach out to consumers’ cell phones or landlines without their express written consent, or without having an established business relationship. The act also prohibits companies from calling numbers on the Do Not Call Registry and calling or texting any numbers using auto-dialing systems. As more and more consumers rely on cell phones as their primary point of contact, TCPA lawsuits are gaining traction.
It is important that you stay updated on TCPA restrictions. An experienced Florida TCPA attorney with The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi can analyze the details of your case and pursue legal action. You have the right to seek $500-$1500 per TCPA violation. Consumers just like you have recovered millions of dollars through the TCPA. Telemarketers and debt collection agencies continue to violate TCPA and you are legally obligated to financial compensation. Contact (844)-JIBRAEL to speak to a Florida TCPA lawyer today!