A telephone solicitor is any person or organization that makes or attempts to make phone calls for the purpose of selling goods or services. This includes individuals working as agents or salespersons who directly engage in these solicitations. The term also encompasses any entity classified as a telemarketer under relevant telemarketing regulations.
Telephone solicitors operate primarily in the realm of consumer protection law. They are often subject to regulations designed to protect consumers from deceptive practices in telemarketing. Legal frameworks may involve compliance with the Telemarketing Sales Rule and state-specific telemarketing laws. Users can often manage related legal matters themselves using templates provided by services like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A company hires agents to call potential customers to sell insurance policies. These agents are considered telephone solicitors because their primary job is to solicit sales over the phone.
Example 2: A non-profit organization calls individuals to request donations. If they employ agents to make these calls, they fall under the definition of telephone solicitors. (hypothetical example)
Major regulations governing telephone solicitors include:
| State | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| California | Requires additional disclosures during calls. |
| Florida | Has a no-call list that solicitors must respect. |
| Texas | Imposes stricter penalties for violations of telemarketing laws. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Telemarketer | A broader term that includes any entity making sales calls, including telephone solicitors. |
| Cold Caller | Specifically refers to solicitors who contact potential customers without prior interaction. |
If you are contacted by a telephone solicitor and wish to take action, consider the following steps:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Fees | Varies by service; some may charge per call or per lead. |
| Jurisdiction | Federal and state laws apply. |
| Possible Penalties | Fines for non-compliance with telemarketing laws. |
You can request to be placed on their do-not-call list or report them to the appropriate authorities.