WGRZ-TV: Telemarketing With Recorded Messages To Be Banned In New York State

Telemarketers will now be prohibited from using prerecorded messages in telephone calls to New Yorkers under a law signed Tuesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The measure was approved by the state Legislature this year, but it won't affect one area: the automated robo calls for political campaigns.

The legislation will give authority to the Department of State to ban telemarketing companies that violate New York's telemarketing laws from doing business in New York State.

"Unwanted telemarketing calls are intrusive and irritating," said Governor Cuomo. "This legislation is designed to ensure that New Yorkers who choose not to receive these promotional messages are not forced to deal with these harassing phone calls."

Currently, telemarketers licensed outside of New York are still able to contact New York consumers, pay a negligible fine, and continue to do business in the state. But, under the Governor's proposal, all telemarketers doing business in New York will be required to register with the Department of State which will have the authority to revoke or suspend the registration of companies that do not comply with state law.

If they violate the law, they could face additional fines and misdemeanor charges. The legislation will take effect in 90 days.

http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/177866/13/Telemarketing-With-Recorded-Messages-To-Be-Banned-in-NY