Texas Joins Federal Lawsuit To Stop Illegal Robocallers' 'Blatant Invasion Of Privacy'
AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Texas has joined six other states in a federal lawsuit to put an end to unlawful telemarketing campaigns.
Attorney General Ken Paxton's office said Tuesday the calls "bombard consumers with millions of abusive robocalls in violation of the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act, as well as each state's respective telemarketing laws."
The lawsuit was filed against John C. Spiller, II and Jakob Mears, along with their Texas-based companies Rising Eagle Capital Group LLC and JSquared Telecom LLC. In coordination with the FCC.
"I thank the FCC and attorneys general involved with this enforcement initiative for their dedication to stopping deceptive and abusive robocallers from targeting our citizens. Robocalls, especially those that spoof Caller ID information and violate specific do-not-call lists, are a blatant invasion of privacy," said Attorney General Paxton. "My office will continue to work diligently to stop those who disregard privacy and seek to take advantage of Texans."
The lawsuit contends during the past two years, Spiller and Mears have initiated billions of abusive robocalls through the two companies named in the lawsuit.
The calls, made to both residential and cell phones, confront consumers, even those on do-not-call lists, with pre-recorded messages pitching healthcare products or automobile extended warranties, the AG's office said.
Spiller and Mears are also accused of trying to hide their identity and falsifying – or spoofing - caller ID information to make recipients believe the calls are coming from someone they may know.
Texans who believe they have encountered deceptive trade practices, scams or illegal telemarketing practices can call the Office of the Attorney General's toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.
Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio are the other states that are part of the effort to stop illegal robocalls.