Written OK Now Needed for Most Robocalls

Jerry Cerasale, senior vice president for government affairs of the Direct Marketing Association, which represents some 3,400 companies, says the written permission “requires a signature and phone number.” He said companies may obtain the form and an electronic signature by e-mail, but he is unaware of any permission slip that will be mailed to consumers.

The DMA opposed the rule that takes effect today. “We understand that prerecorded calls to customers were a cost-effective means to offer goods and services,” Cerasale says.

The American Teleservices Association, which represents call centers and other companies engaged in telemarketing as well as e-mail and Internet sales and service, did not respond to a phone call seeking comment about the robocall restrictions.

Sid Kirchheimer writes about consumer and health issues.