A new law has opened the door to robocalls to cellphones from debt collectors acting on behalf of the federal government. With its passage, this law allows automated collection calls to the cellphones of people with student loans, back taxes, and government-backed mortgages. The FCC, however, is moving to restrict the number of text messages and robocalls that can be made through this new law without the express permission of the debtor.

Under the TCPA, collection calls and texts sent to cellphones require previous consent from the consumer. Congress has created this exception in regards to the collection of federal debt, though consumer advocates warn this could open the floodgates for all types of unsolicited and unwanted collection calls. To add to the problem, cellphone numbers change frequently and the FCC has received several complaints of repeated calls being made to numbers no longer owned by the intended recipient. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to stop these calls once they have begun.

Whether it is your debt or not, harassment from creditors is vexing and even under these circumstances may be in violation of your consumer protections. If you believe your rights have been violated, please contact Markoff Leinbergeronline or by calling our Chicago office at (888) 517-9115 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.