Have you received a robocall from Southwest Travel? As of September 1, 2009, prerecorded commercial telemarketing calls to consumers – commonly known as robocalls – were prohibited, unless the telemarketer has obtained permission in writing from consumers who want to receive such calls, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

The new requirement is part of amendments to the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) that were announced a year ago. After September 1, sellers and telemarketers who transmit prerecorded messages to consumers who have not agreed in writing to accept such messages will face penalties of up to $16,000 per call.

Under a previous rule that took effect on December 1, 2008, telemarketing robocall messages by businesses covered by the TSR must tell consumers how to opt-out of further calls at the start of the message, and provide an automated opt-out mechanism that is voice or keypress-activated. Prerecorded messages left on answering machines must also provide a toll-free number that connects to the automated opt-out mechanism.

Consumers who receive prerecorded telemarketing calls but have not agreed to get them should file a complaint with the Commission, either on the www.donotcall.gov Web site or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

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