Results tagged “robocall”

After complaints from unsuspecting cellphone users and the very vocal Senator Chuck Schumer, the Federal Trade Commission is suing the telemarketing companies responsible for billions of robocalls selling auto warranty extensions. The Wall Street Journal reports, "In two related complaints filed in federal court on Thursday, the FTC said it was taking action against the promoter of the phony extended auto warranties, as well as the telemarketing company that it hired to carry out its allegedly illegal campaign. The FTC filed complaints against four companies and a handful of individuals related to their operations." FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said, "This is one of the most aggressive telemarketing schemes the FTC has ever encountered. not sure which is worse, the abusive telemarketing tactics of these companies, or the way they try to deceive people once they get them on the phone. Either way, we intend to shut them down.” The FTC also noted that even 911 dispatchers get these calls!

The fight over whether or not term limits should be extended to three terms has infiltrated people's dinner time. Politicker NY reports that that a reader in Manhattan "claimed to have received already in English and Spanish" a robo call from Democratic consultant Steve Kramer.

As the deadline nears for NYC and NY State approve congestion pricing and qualify for $354 million in federal money, the anti-congestion pricing contingent is working hard to convince constituents it's not a good idea. Streetsblog reveals there are automated robocalls asking New Yorkers to oppose congestion pricing. A Streetsblog commenter transcribed part of the call:

"[Do you trust the MTA]...the council members who support congestion pricing do. Every dollar in fees goes to the MTA. As for the promise that funds will only go for improvements, the MTA admits that 67% will be spent on everything BUT new bus and subway lines. Also, the MTA just canceled new improvements promised when fares were raised. Don't trust the MTA and call your council member and tell them not to trust them either."