Health Insurance Telemarketer Fined for Illegal Robocalls

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a fine of more than $82 million against an insurance company in North Carolina for violations of the Truth In Caller ID Act. According to a news report in the Daily Hornet, FCC is accusing Philip Roesel, owner of Best Insurance Contracts of displaying inaccurate caller ID information when placing more than 20 million robocalls in an effort to sell health insurance policies.

Laws Relating to “Spoofing”

The practice the company is accused of indulging in is known as “spoofing.” This is when a caller disguises their outgoing number so that the recipient cannot see the actual number of the incoming call. There are several legally justifiable reasons for spoofing such as when making an anonymous tip to law enforcement or the media. You could also “spoof” if you wish to conceal the actual location of someone who is hiding from a stalker or abuser.

The Truth In Caller ID Act of 2009 prohibits anyone from disguising one’s caller ID with the intent to “defraud, cause harm or wrongfully obtain anything of value.” The alleged “spoofing” involving Roesel occurred in December 2016, officials say, when FCC investigators verified 82,106 health insurance telemarketing calls made during that time using falsified called ID information. The commission’s $82.1 million fine comes out to $1,000 per verified incident. Roesel was even quoted as repeatedly bragging to co-workers that his actions were minor legal violations similar to driving above the speed limit.

TCPA Violations Lawyer

The consumer attorneys at Bisnar Chase are representing individuals in class action lawsuits involving the violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act or TCPA. This law went into effect in 1991 as a response to an increasing number of consumer complaints over telemarketer and debt collector phone calls. The main goal of TCPA is to reduce the number of harassing calls. Also, more importantly, it works to protect the consumer’s right to privacy.

The TCPA especially limits the practice of telemarketers and their use of automated dialing and pre-recorded voice messages with regard to residential phone lines, text messages and cell phones. It also prohibits telemarketers from calling individuals who have registered with the Do-Not-Call Registry. If you have been the victim of an aggressive, hostile or inappropriate phone call associated with telemarketers, call 1-800-561-4887 for a free case evaluation.