Queensland-based solar power business, Instyle Solar Pty Ltd, has paid a $10,800 infringement notice for failing to obtain consent to call numbers on the Do Not Call Register.
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found Instyle Solar did not maintain adequate records of consent for numbers it gathered in several ways, including purchasing lists of numbers.
‘The ACMA is putting the solar power industry’s telemarketing practices under the microscope as a result of a high number of complaints from consumers. Instyle Solar is the first targeted investigation finalised as part of this campaign,’ said ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin.
‘The rules are simple: telemarketers must not call any number on the Do Not Call Register unless they can demonstrate consent. If they cannot demonstrate consent, the ACMA will take action,’ Ms O’Loughlin added.
The ACMA can take a range of enforcement actions against businesses found to have breached the Do Not Call rules—including seeking a civil penalty and/or injunctions from the Federal Court; giving an infringement notice; accepting a court enforceable undertaking; or issuing a formal warning.
The ACMA has named the solar power industry as a Priority Compliance Area for 2017-18.
To join the register and opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls call 1300 792 958 or visit www.donotcall.gov.au. Complaints about telemarketing calls can also be made through these channels.
Media contact: Emma Rossi, Media Manager, (02) 9334 7719, 0434 652 063 or media@acma.gov.au.
For media enquiries, please contact:
0438 375 776
media@acma.gov.au