Zacks Investment Research Part of Robocall Class Action
Robocall Class Action $5.5M Settlement
Zacks Investment Research Inc. and the marketing company Response North LLP have agreed to pay $5.48 million to settle a robocall class action alleging the companies violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by auto-dialing consumers’ cellphones without consent. Under the settlement, Zacks Investment Research would pay $4.65 million and Response North would pay $830,000.
Auto-Dialed Calls Can Create Liability
The plaintiff claimed he began receiving unsolicited calls on his cellphone from the Utah-based marketing company Response North after he bought a book sold by the Illinois-based, Zacks Investment Research. The lawsuit alleged that the unwanted marketing calls were made by equipment that can be auto-dialed. Even if a company does not use the auto-dial function, however, the TCPA covers equipment that has the “capacity” to auto-dial as well as predictive dialers.
Robocall Lawsuits Expose Companies to Massive Damages
With the proliferation of cell phones, consumers now are inundated with unwanted marketing calls. Congress enacted the TCPA in an effort to stop harassing and disruptive robocalls to consumers. Under the TCPA, consumers can sue for damages of between $500 and $1,500 for each automated call, text, or fax that they receive if they have not provided their prior consent to receive these communications.
Class Action Involves More Than Quarter Million Consumers
This class action lawsuit would affect 266,696 consumers who purportedly received the unwanted robocalls between May 6, 2012, and June 30, 2017. Under the settlement, each consumer would receive $17.43 from Zacks Investment Research if everyone submits a valid claim. Class members are expected to receive additional money from Response North.
Have You Received Unwanted Robocalls or Spam Texts?
If you have received unwanted robocalls or have been harassed auto-dialed telemarketing calls from Zacks Investment Research, Response North or another entity, you may have rights that require legal attention.
Contact a Robocall Attorney Today
Contact an experienced robocall attorney at Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and potential legal claims.
