No-call violators fined $810,000

The Mississippi Public Service Commission announced $810,000 in fines Tuesday against two out of state companies for violation of the do-not-call list.

The commission said three other firms could be fined this week, pushing the total amount levied to about $2 million.

Debt Management Foundation of Largo, Fla., was fined $550,000, and Credit Foundation of America, located in Corona, Calif., was fined $260,000. The companies have 30 days to meet with PSC staffers, respond to the allegations and seek settlement, said Central District Commissioner Nielsen Cochran.

Last week, the commission filed its first fine of $125,000 against Krane Products Inc., of Boca Raton, Fla.

Southern District Commissioner Michael Callahan said the companies are accused of using caller ID blocks or pre-recorded messages to reach Mississippians. Both methods are illegal.

In addition, calls must be limited to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"As long as you telemarket within the law, you're welcome," Callahan said.

Neither company could be reached for comment.

The commission would not identify the three companies that could be fined later this week, but did say the fines could total $1.08 million. The Associated Press identified those companies as DirectTV as well as two more debt management firms — Debt Relief Group and Lighthouse Credit Foundation.

The Mississippi law went into effect Oct. 1, and requires telemarketers to purchase an $800 do-not-call list from the state. So far, about 72 companies, most from out of state, have bought it, officials said.

Commissioners hope to use the money collected from the fines to continue operation of enforcement efforts. The commission must have legislative approval to use the money.

Cochran said the law still has some gray areas — such as political calls — that need clarification.

Callahan urged consumers to secure as much information as possible from telemarketers who violate the law, then report them to the PSC.

Northern District Commissioner Bo Robinson said the commission has taken a hard line because some constituents have told them they were tired of being bothered. "We're serious about it. The people out there are serious about it," he said.

There have been 640 complaints filed to date and 176 investigations are active, officials said.

More than 190,000 consumers have signed up for the list.

Of the 33 states with no-call laws, Missouri leads the nation in judgments against telemarketers, with collections totaling more than $1 million since its no-call law took effect in July 2001.