All California Political Robo Calls Are Illegal, Yes Illegal

Washington, DC - Shaun Dakin, CEO The National Political Do Not Contact Registry - Sign up for free at StopPoliticalCalls.org

Ok, I've had it.   The law in California clearly states that ALL robo calls are illegal, UNLESS they are introduced by a live person.  We have received thousands of complaints from California citizens about receiving these illegal robo calls.

It is there, clearly, in the California Public Utilities Code sections 2871-2876.

Clear as day.  Black and White. 

Totally ignored by all political candidates.  As reported in the San Diego Tribune this past weekend:

Violators are subject to a fine of up to $500 for each violation. The PUC may also order that the automatic dialing be disconnected for a specified period of time.

But voters don't know about the requirement, campaigns ignore it and the Public Utilities Commission doesn't enforce it.

“It's one of those things that's on the books and not enforced,” said Michael Shames, president of the San Diego-based Utility Consumer Action Network.

So, I'm asking all you California folks out there to help me out and perhaps we can shut down robo calls in CA with fines against campaigns.

That would be a $500 fine.

For each incident.

So, here is what we should do.  When you get an illegal political robo call.

1. Record, clearly, the following key pieces of information:
   • The name of who called (campaign, organization, etc..)
   • Telephone number that the call originated from
   • Date and time of the call
   • Content of the call (if possible)
   • Who paid for the call (usually heard at the end of the call)
2. Contact both The National Political Do Not Contact Registry AND your telephone company
   • Email the NPDNC registry at this email (click to get address)
   • In the subject line put:  "CA Phone Complaint Details"
   • In the text include the information in sections #1,  #3 and #5
3. Demand that your telephone company stop the robo calls immediately.  Make sure that you record:
   • what number you dialed at the telephone company
   • the day and time you called
   • and the person(s) that you spoke to
   • ensure that you ask for a specific time that the company will ask the violator that these calls stop
   • Ask that they contact the robo call violator (campaign) immediately
4. Contact the California Public Utilities Commission and file a complaint online at this website
5. Contact the campaigns directly and let them know that you have filed a complaint
6. Write a letter to the editor and demand that the PUC enforce the law

Let's go get them!