FTC Bans Some So-Called Robocalls

The Federal Trade Commission has banned telemarketers from making prerecorded commercial telemarketing calls to consumers unless they obtain permission in writing from consumers who want to receive such calls.

The ban takes effect Sept. 1.

After that date, telemarketers who violate this rule will face penalties of up to $16,000 per call, according to the FTC.

However, this new prohibition does not apply to calls from politicians, banks, telephone carriers and most charitable organizations or other recorded calls as long as they don