New York Nearly Doubles Fines for DNC Violations

Fines for violations of New York’s Do Not Call (DNC) registry are going up—way up. Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill amending the state’s general business regulations, raising the maximum fine from $11,000 to $20,000.

In a statement, Governor Hochul said, “Every day, hard-working New Yorkers are forced to field call after call from relentless telemarketers. Today, we’re raising the penalty for violators of the Do Not Call Registry to deter telemarketers, protect New Yorkers, and send a clear message that New York won’t tolerate these frustrating, unsolicited calls.”

The move comes as part of an ongoing crackdown against unwanted calls in the state and nationwide. In December 2022, Hochul also signed into law legislation that requires telemarketers, as part of their initial disclosures, to inform consumers that they may add themselves to an internal DNC list.

While the fines in New York are now among the most severe in the nation, Convoso Compliance Officer Tammy Glover Fowler says this week’s amendment shouldn’t set off any alarm bells for marketing and sales teams that are already compliance-minded.

“The New York Assembly Bill (4556) passed on September 13, 2023 increases the maximum fine for people who violate telemarketing regulations,” said Glover Fowler. “If you are complying with telemarketing laws, there is no need to worry. The fines are directed towards those who commit fraudulent and deceptive telemarketing activity.”

Yet another update in regulations at the state level should, however, serves as a reminder to contact centers that the rules of the game are always changing. So much so that it can be hard to keep up.

Convoso built the StateTracker™ tool with today’s complex, fast-paced regulatory environment in mind. As the only purpose-built to support compliance with new state laws impacting outbound call centers. Take control of your call campaigns with rule-based configurations that reduce the risk of human error—and help avoid costly lawsuits and fines like those imposed in New York.

Learn more today about how Convoso’s compliance-forward dialer helps support your organization.

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