Foxtel pays telemarketing infringement notice

An infringement notice of $25,200 has been paid by Foxtel Management, after it breached laws that require telemarketers to end a call immediately when asked.

An ACMA investigation found that Foxtel continued to sell its products and services within calls after consumers indicated they wanted to end the calls. The ACMA also found Foxtel did not have adequate contractual arrangements in place with a call centre it used.

“Consumers have the right to end a telemarketing call at any time during the call. It’s unacceptable for a call to continue once someone has indicated they want it to stop,” said ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.

“The ACMA will act when aggressive marketing practices don’t meet acceptable standards.”

This year, the ACMA has cracked down on businesses breaking telemarketing laws. Businesses have paid a total of $343,200 in infringement notices.

“Telemarketers are on notice to listen and respond appropriately to consumers and take their obligations seriously,” O’Loughlin said.

The Telemarketing Industry Standard sets out minimum obligations for all telemarketing calls that set out clearly permitted calling times, the information to be provided during calls and when calls must be terminated.

Penalties for businesses in breach of Australia’s telemarketing laws include formal warnings, infringement notices or action in the Federal Court.

In order to reduce unwanted communications:

• Report breaches to the ACMA.
• Reduce telemarketing by putting your number on the Do Not Call Register.
• Sign up to the ACMA’s e-bulletin on telemarketing compliance.
• Learn more about the Telemarketing Industry Standard.
   

Image credit: ©BillionPhotos.com/Dollar Photo Club

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