Telephone Terrorism
The Story of Robocalls and the TCPA
Nearly thirty years ago, an angry senator cursed the wave of automated telemarketing that was invading homes from coast to coast. “Computerized calls are the scourge of modern civilization,” he declared. “It is telephone terrorism, and it has got to stop.”
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Congress responded by passing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Americans were now able to sue the annoying robocallers, and they rejoiced. Soon, however, junk debt collectors and questionable charities found loopholes in the new law. Next came an onslaught of unstoppable scams that clogged the phone lines beyond belief. Meanwhile, some people were profiteering from confusion over the rules, sometimes at the expense of legitimate businesses.
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With stinging humor, this book tells how the fight against robocalls went awry. Crazy court cases, devious schemes, and outrageous behavior combine to make an epic story of greed and governmental incompetence. Telephone Terrorism is recommended for anyone who has been harassed over the phone by a clueless collection agency or persistent telemarketer, or who simply wants to know more about an unusual law that impacts their life.
Contents:
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Introduction
Prologue: Attack of the Trash Calls
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The TCPA: Trespassing Callers Punished Appropriately
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The Courts Have Their Say
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The Crackdown of 2003
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Political Robocalls: One More Reason Not to Vote
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Long Distance Panhandlers
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Debt Collectors: The World Champions of Robocalling
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Turning Robocalls (and Faxes) into Riches
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The Scam-Based Economy
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Confusion All Around
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The Crisis Enters Its 4th Decade
Epilogue: Taking Out the Trash
Notes
Appendix: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act
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