Published: August 2022

Telemarketing Sales Rule should be strengthened even further to protect consumers from misconduct

Consumer Action joined a dozen partner organizations in submitting comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding two proposed sets of changes to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), which protects consumers from telemarketing fraud. The signers encouraged additional changes that would, among other things, require advance notice to consumers when a free trial converts to a paid sale.

Consumer Action joined a dozen partner organizations in submitting comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding two proposed sets of changes to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), which protects consumers from telemarketing fraud. One set of comments addresses recordkeeping requirements for telemarketers, calls to donors, and misrepresentations during telemarketing calls directed to businesses. The second set of comments addresses, among other things, requiring adequate warning before “free trials” automatically become paid subscriptions, prohibiting peer-to-peer and cryptocurrency payment methods in telemarketing transactions due to consumer refund difficulties, and applying the TSR to text messages. These comments to the FTC, along with other efforts by the organizations, aim to help shield consumers from relentless robocalls, unwelcome telemarketing efforts and phone-based scams. 

Lead Organization

Electronic Privacy Information Center and National Consumer Law Center

More Information

Click here to read the first letter in full.

Click here to read the second letter in full.

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