HomeFix Corporation will pay a settlement to the state of Maryland after it allegedly violated the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry, Attorney General Brian Frosh announced on Friday.
Owned by Tope LaLa, the Prince George's County-based home improvement company allegedly called customers who were on the Do Not Call list or who had asked not to be called during previous telemarketing calls.
"Consumers put their names on the Do Not Call Registry because they don't want to be hounded or harassed by telemarketers," Frosh said. "Businesses should respect that choice."
HomeFix allegedly didn’t take the proper precautions to stop telemarketing calls to residents who registered their phone numbers with the federal Do Not Call list. The company also allegedly continued to call residents who has asked not to be contacted.
As part of the settlement, HomeFix will pay $12,500 in penalties and costs. The company also must ensure that it does not contact consumers on the Do Not Call list, as well as customers who ask not to be contacted by the company.
The company must update its internal telemarketing technology as well so that it won't be able to make unwanted call. It also must implement a new training program for its employees.