called my phone usual message, now calling and texting my cell phone. Why are they allowed to do this and why doesn't the government stop this they put their noses into everything else. why can they use of my monthly texts and minutes and I can do nothing to stop it. Maybe the work for the cell phone companies to help run our bills up
For Release: 11/22/2011
FTC Charges Telemarketers with Enabling Illegal Robocalling
Allegedly Provided Technology for Clients to Violate the Do Not Call Registry, Mask Caller ID
As part of its ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal pre-recorded robocalls, the Federal Trade Commission is taking action against an operation that allegedly helped clients make illegal robocalls, call phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, and mask Caller ID information, in violation of the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule. This conduct generated tens of thousands of complaints from consumers. The FTC's complaint, filed on its behalf by the Department of Justice, seeks to make the defendants pay civil penalties and stop the illegal calls.
According to the FTC's complaint, Sonkei Communications, Inc., Peter J. Turpel, and Joseph Turpel sold robocall services to telemarketers offering credit card services, home security systems, and grant procurement programs. The defendants allegedly gave clients the means to hide their identity by transmitting inaccurate caller names on caller ID displays, such as "SERVICE MESSAGE" or "SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT." The FTC also alleged that the defendants knew, or consciously avoided knowing, that their clients called phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry.
The Department of Justice filed the complaint on behalf of the Commission in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on November 17, 2011. The Commission vote to refer the complaint to the DOJ for filing was 5-0.
NOTE: The Commission refers a complaint to the DOJ for filing when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendants have actually violated the law. The case will be decided by the court.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant or call
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC's website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.
There are two numbers 971-220-1984 & 503-563-0155.
I can't say for sure but it seems like every time I owe Verizon money I start to get these types of phone calls. I wonder if it is actually Verizon Wireless that sends out these calls to either harass people or to get their credit card number's.
I'd like to know if this is happening to other people.
If it is Verizon, we may have a class action lawsuit against them!!
Whom ever it is I hope your children suffer and you get to watch them suffer!!!