You may have caught WSB-TV Channel 2?s recent story,?Atlanta is the most robocalled city in the U.S., study says. If you are one of the many, many people plagued by robocalls, then we may be able to help you stop these calls and receive compensation for the harassment.

What is a Robocall?

A robocall is an automated phone call made using an autodialer, or containing a pre-recorded message. Just because you hear a live voice on the other end, it does not mean you have not received a robocall.

OK, what is an Autodialer?

An autodialer is any equipment or computer software that dials phone numbers without human intervention. Pay attention when you pick up the phone. If you are greeted by a pre-recorded message, a robotic voice on the line, a lack of response when you say hello, a click and pause, or there are repeated calls in a single day, repeated calls from different numbers, or you are receiving calls from a debt collector, these are all telltale signs that an autodialer is being utilized. Further, calls made using autodialers frequently result in hang-ups or lengthy periods of ?dead air? before a live person comes on the line.

Why does this matter?

Robocalls take a huge toll on North Georgia. According to?a recent study by?YouMail, Atlanta residents received more than 100 million?robocalls?just in January. Atlanta?s 404 area code topped the list with nearly 50 million calls received. The area code 678 came in fourth. 770 was also high on the list. Robocalls compromise privacy and public safety, undermine the ?federal ?Lifeline tele?communications? program by using up ?low-income ?consumers’ limited minutes, and subject vulnerable consumers to telemarketing scams.? When it enacted the TCPA, Congress made findings that automated calls and prerecorded messages are a ?nuisance,? an ?invasion of privacy,? and ?when an emergency or medical assistance telephone line is seized, a risk to public safety.? Unwanted calls to cell phones are particularly abusive because the subscriber may have to pay for receiving each call, or the call may count against the number of minutes authorized each month under the subscriber?s plan.

That?s terrible! Why does the Government allow this to happen?

The Government does not allow robocalls to your cell phone, unless you expressly consent to receive and consent to continue receiving them. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. ? 227 (TCPA) and its implementing FCC rules, 47 C.F.R. ? 64.1200, focus on abusive methods of contacting consumers. The restrictions that are most important to consumers are:

? A prohibition against making autodialed or prerecorded calls to cell phones and other sensitive numbers without the prior express consent of the called party, applicable both to voice calls and text messages;

? A prohibition against certain prerecorded calls (primarily telemarketing calls) to residential lines without prior express written consent;

? A requirement that telemarketers maintain company-specific do-not-call lists, and refrain from calling consumers who ask that that particular caller stop calling;

? A prohibition against telemarketing calls to consumers who place their names on the nationwide do-not-call list;

? Disclosure requirements regarding the purpose of telemarketing calls;

? Restrictions on abandoned calls?and calling times;

? A prohibition against caller ID blocking; and

? A prohibition against faxing unsolicited advertisements.

The TCPA is a strict liability statute.? If you receive these robocalls or robotexts from companies without your consent?and they are utilizing covered technology, then you may be entitled to statutory damages for each call or text.? The statutory damages for each call or text is?$500.? You can receive the statutory damages?for each call or text.

Great! What should I do if I receive Robocalls?

1.????? Answer the phone and tell the caller to stop calling. Any express consent to receive phone calls can be revoked.

2.????? Ask to be placed on the do-not-call list.

3.????? Keep track of all calls that you receive, including

a.?????? The number that called;

b.????? The company that called;

c.?????? When the call was received;

d.????? What was said;

e.?????? That you asked that they stop calling;

f.??????? That you asked to be placed on the do-not-call list; and

g.????? How long the call lasted.

4.?????? Request your call logs from your cell company.

5.????? Add your phone number to the more than 217 million numbers on the?Do Not Call?Registry.

6.????? Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at?complaints.donotcall.gov?or 1-888-382-1222.

7.??????Contact us today for a Free Case Evaluation

If you think you are the victim of illegal robocalls or texts, then contact us for a free consultation.?Call 770-389-4864 or email Orion G. Webb at?owebb@smithwelchlaw.com?today for a free evaluation of your case.? We take TCPA cases on contingency:? no fees unless you win.? We are paid a percentage of the damages we help you recover.

Smith, Welch, Webb and White is recognized as a premier law firm throughout the state of Georgia. Our team of attorneys routinely handles a wide range of legal matters, and will provide outstanding service for you, your family or your business.

Smith, Welch, Webb & White, LLC., is recognized as a premier law firm throughout the state of Georgia with expertise in this area of law. We have an uncompromising commitment to serving our clients and community. Our team of experts routinely handle a wide range of legal matters and will be happy to provide outstanding service for you, your family, or your business.

Any representations regarding the law in this Blog is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.