How much are illegal telemarketing calls worth in Washington State?

How much are illegal telemarketing calls worth in Washington State?

Washington State and the federal government do not like illegal telemarketing calls and they have outsourced enforcement of the law (for the most part) to citizens like you. Did you know that a single call can be worth up to $8,500 in damages? Think of how many junk calls you get each day.

Federal Law

$500 and can be tripled for willful or knowing violations - any calls that start with artificial or pre-recorded voice (Robocalls) without written consent. § 227(b).

Up to $500 and can be tripled for willful or knowing violations - telemarketing calls to a number registered on the FTC's do-not-call registry without consent § 227(c).

Depending on your court these damages may or may not be "stacked" - collecting under both § 227(b) and § 227(c).

Washington State Law

$1000 - mirrors § 227(b) so a violation of that is a violation of RCW 80.36.400.

$1000 - failure to identify within 30 seconds of your completed greeting. RCW 80.36.390(3).

$1000 - failure to acknowledge your do-not-call-request (and hang up) if you ask to be placed on their do-not-call-request during the call. RCW 80.36.390(7).

$1000 - calling back within one year of your do-not-call-request during a call. RCW 80.36.390(7).

$1000 - calling after 8pm or before 8am. RCW 80.36.390(8).

$1000 - calling someone registered on the FTC's DNC registry. RCW 80.36.390(9).

$1000 - faking the calling number to hide their identity. RCW 80.36.390(10).

These Washington state law damages are stacked! One illegal call that checks all the boxes may be worth $8,500! Typically illegal calls in Washington are worth $2500-$3500.

As with everything there are nuances and details, and consulting with NW Debt resolution about unwanted calls you are receiving is a first step towards building your case, making them stop, and collecting damages. Give us a call at 206-800-6000 or email peter@nwdebtresolution.com or nathen@nwdebtresolution.com (Peter's law clerk). A consumer lawyer can help you know if you have a good case against telemarketers.

Would you like a free case review? Do you have a question or a telemarketing, debt collection, or bankruptcy case that would make a great blog article? We might even review your pro-se complaint or motion in a blog post. Email peter@nwdebtresolution.com and/or nathen@nwdebtresolution.com and we may answer it for everyone!

The thoughts, opinions and musings of this blog are those of Peter Schneider, a consumer advocate and Washington State plaintiff's TCPA attorney at Northwest Debt Resolution, LLC. They are just that, his thoughts, opinions and musings and should be treated as such. They are not legal advice. If you are looking to file a lawsuit for TCPA violations and unwanted calls please contact me for a consultation.