FTC Cracking Down on Timeshare Company for “Robocalls” and DNC Violations June 5, 2009
Posted by JConnolly in : News & Events , trackbackWith robocalls getting quite a bit of attention lately, it should not surprise anyone that there are timeshare-related companies using this practice to generate leads. For those who may not have ever experienced one of these so-called robocalls, it is a computer set to dial a list of phone numbers and when an unassuming person answers this call, there is a per-recorded message that plays that prompts the answerer to make a selection on the keypad of the telephone. For example, I could be sitting at home and answer a call and a pre-recorded message asks me if I am interested in buying or selling a timeshare. Press “1″ if you would like to sell, press “2″ if you want to buy and press “3″ if you do not own a timeshare. Many of these programs are set to call lists provided by a specific company, but others may just dial random number, akin to picking up a phone book and pointing to a number.
 The FTC has been cracking down on this sort of phone marketing most recently with companies offering to extend auto warranties. According to tmcnet.com, Westgate is also under investigation for using this practice to generate leads of people interested in buying a timeshare. The article goes on to say that Westgate purchased internet-generated leads from a company that gives away free products. The issue here is that many of these leads were also on the national DNC registry and due to a large amount of complaints, the FTC started investigating.
 If you have received such “robocalls” and your phone number is not currently registered with the national DNC registry, you should register for this free service and report any future calls. If you are already registered, you may file a complaint on the website www.donotcall.gov
Comments»
Really a great information on robocalls. I think Westgate has started using this service.