FCC Proposes Fining AT&T Over DNC Violation

Iphtashu Fitz writes "The FCC has just announced a proposed $780,000 fine against AT&T for violating the recently enacted Do Not Call telemarketing rules. The FCC charges that AT&T marketers called 29 consumers on 78 different occasions after those consumers had signed up on the Do Not Call list. The FCC has posted a press release (pdf) to this effect on their web site."

Why punish AT&T

[Carl_LaFong]

It must all be a mistake.
Surely the consumers had opted-in with a business partner.

Re:I thought AT&T actually ran the DNC list

[An. (Coward)]

"I'm sorry? You say we called a number that was on the do-not-call list? Hmmm...hold on, let me check. What's the number?"

*click click click*

delete from do_not_call_list where phone_no = '212-555-9364'

"No, I don't see it here. Must be some mistake. That's OK, it happens all the time."

Big Brother has Benefits

[serutan]

If we have to have a Big Brother (which apparently we do), at least it's nice to have one that will beat up people who keep bothering you.

I love getting calls from AT&T!

[ThisIsFred]

They aren't that well researched in the demographics department. Here's a typical sample with the cast of AT&T Rep and myself:

AR: We're offering a special long distance package for you. May I ask who provides you with your long distance service?

Me: Yes. I don't have a long distance service.

AR: You don't have one?

Me: Yes.

AR: Sir, do you make any long distance phone calls?

Me: No. (pause to enhance clueless consumer effect)

AR: Sir, we'd like to-

Me: (interrupts) Actually, yes, I make local long distance phone calls.

AR: You don't have a long distance service provider but you make local long distance calls?

Me: Yes.

AR: How is that sir? Do you use pre-paid phone cards?

Me: No.

AR: Uh... How do you place local long distance calls sir?

Me: I use my mobile phone.

AR: And, sir, who is you wireless phone service provider?

Me: AT&T.

AR: Oh... (long pause)... Thank you for your time sir, you have a good night.

I've had this conversation with AT&T three times now. The novelty has not yet worn off. I wonder when they'll compile a list of existing customers, so they can save money on long distance calls.

=D

I can suggest a way

[commodoresloat]

I wish I could find a way to get in contact with the many people who would probably come see the plays that my theater troupe puts on if they only knew it existed.

Bulk email marketing.

TURN YOUR PC INTO A CASH MACHINE!

E-Mail turns your computer into a Money Machine by giving you FREE, immediate access to over 400 Million People. Don't you think some of these people would be interested in your products or Services?

MUCH FASTER: With bulk E-mail you get responses back in 1 to 4 days instead of waiting weeks or months! You can begin filling orders the same day you send E-mail. FREE ADVERTISING WORTH MILLIONS: It costs millions of dollars to mail.

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS. TO ORDER, READ BELOW: ....

It's kinda funny;

[ONU CS Geek]

AT&T Government Services actually "runs" the DNC list, but, AT&T is telemarketing and not using the DNC list. One would think that it wouldn't be too hard for them to even get a copy of the list, since a different division of their company runs it.

Maybe their version of "prior business relationship" is when you signed up on the DNC list.

Re:Good - let's get this tested right away

[yourmom16]

It's Sony vs. Betamax not Betamax vs. VCR. Who would sue a VCR?