As election season in Indiana heats up, Attorney General Greg Zoeller wants to remind you that it is illegal for political campaigns to blast you with pre-recorded messages or “robocalls” over the phone.
Indiana’s Auto Dialer law restricts the use of technology that automatically dials residential phone numbers and plays prerecorded messages. The penalty for violating the Indiana Auto Dialer law is up to $5,000 per call.
Here are quick tips about what types of political calls are and are not allowed:
- Political campaigns cannot robocall Hoosiers.
- If campaigns want to play a prerecorded message, a live operator must make the call and receive your permission, either by a prerecorded request to leave a message or if you have previously opted into receiving such calls.
- Campaigns and political groups are allowed to make traditional “live” calls, even to numbers registered on the Do Not Call list, as long as the calls are not sales calls.
If you do not want to receive automated political voice mails, make it clear in your voice mail or answering machine prompt that you only wish to receive the name and number of the person calling.
If you receive an unwanted live campaign call, simply ask to be removed from the caller’s list. To block general telemarketing calls, sign up for the Do Not Call list at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling1.888.834.9969.
Zoeller warned campaigns that his office will prosecute any violators of the robocalling ban.
He urges Hoosiers to file a complaint with his office if they receive a political robocall by visiting www.IndianaConsumer.com or calling 1.888.834.9969.
Members of the public can also utilize this call-blocking reference sheet for additional call-blocking applications.
