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FTC Robocalls Twitter Chat Transcript 

On July 17, 2012, the FTC hosted a Twitter Chat to answer questions from the public robocalls, 

including recently announced FTC robocalls initiatives. A transcript of the promotional tweets, , and 

the questions and answers are posted in chronological order for ease of reading. All tweets remain 

public (without redactions) on the agency’s @FTC Twitter account. 

Promotional Tweets: 

Join FTC staff at 1pm today to discuss rise in illegal sales robocalls. Use #FTCrobo to ask Qs or see 

our FB page: http://www.facebook.com/federaltradeco ... 

We'll start our Twitter chat on robocalls in about 45 minutes! Tweet questions using #FTCrobo. 

More information here: http://go.usa.gov/wAE

Joining us for our robocalls chat at 1pm EDT? Learn more about how FTC Twitter chats work here: 

http://go.usa.gov/fgX #FTCrobo 

Chat Tweets 

Q1: RT #FTCrobo q what are the rules about politicians robo calling voters 

cell phones? 

A1: Political robocalls are legal. They are protected by the 1st Amendment. #FTCrobo 

Q2: From earlier today: MT Did u make selling or owning any caller id spoofing 

machines illegal yet? That is biggest prob. #FTCrobo 

A2: Technology's always changing, so the problem is the illegal use. Sending fake caller ID 

information is illegal. #FTCrobo 

Q3: RT : Q for @FTC #FTCrobo - How should a robocalling company confirm that 

a client has written permission to contact someone? 

A3: For specific information regarding the "written agreement" requirement see: 

http://go.usa.gov/fgt #FTCrobo 

Q4: RT what's the best way to stop robocalls on your mobile phone? #FTCrobo 

Q5: RT So a politician sending a fake robocall caller id is violating the law? 

#FTCrobo 

A5: Politcal robocalls are not covered by the FTC's rules. #FTCrobo 

Q6: RT @FTC #FTCrobo What is the FTC's position with respect to informational 

robocalls that are not for purposes of selling? 
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A6: Purely informational calls such as flight cancellations or appt reminders do not fall within 

the TSR's def of "telemarketing." #FTCrobo 

Q7: MT Can you recommend a resource for information on the varying laws state 

by state regarding automated phone calls? #ftcrobo 

A7: We don't have a state survey on this issue. For more information, check with your state 

Attorney General. #FTCrobo 

Q8: MT #FTCrobo. what do I do had a call sounded like a friend was a pornography 

call asking for credit card very offensive to me 

A8: You were wise not to give out your credit card info. Please file a complaint at 

http://www.donotcall.gov or 888-382-1222. #FTCrobo 

Q9: RT What is the difference between fcc & ftc robocall regulations? So 

many folks I know I can't figure it out. #FTCrobo 

A9: There are some differences between FTC & FCC telemarketing regs, but the core provisions 

are harmonized. (cont) #FTCrobo 

Q10: MT If non-profit calls past sports league participants to remind them about 

reg for new season, is that violation? #FTCrobo 

A10: The FTC does not have jurisdiction over non-profits. You do raise an interesting legal 

question though. #FTCrobo 

Q11: RT What steps is the FTC taking to ratchet up enforcement? #FTCrobo 

A11: Continuing aggressive law enfcmnt targeting chokepoints 2 stop max calls; working 2 make 

targeting even more strategic (cont) #FTCrobo 

A11: (cont): working w/ experts 2 id tech solutions including hosting a summit on Oct 18, 2012 

in DC. More info: http://go.usa.gov/fgn #FTCrobo 

That's all the time we have for #FTCrobo chat! Thanks for participating. For tips on what to do 

about robocalls, see: http://go.usa.gov/fgn 

Q12: FINAL Q! :) RT : @FTC healthcare calls are not within the jurisdiction of the 

FTC regs, correct? #FTCrobo 

A12: There is exemption 4 calls by healthcare provider/its associates that fall under HIPAA 

Privacy Rule. See: http://go.usa.gov/f4P #FTCrobo