State files lawsuit against Fla. telemarketing company

A Florida-based company is being accused of illegally calling more than 660 Hoosiers and offering medical alert devices, according to a lawsuit filed by Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller.

Zoeller has also obtained a temporary restraining order against the company, Safeline Alert or Elite Information Services.

The company called phone numbers registered on Indiana’s Do Not Call list between June and August, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Zoeller said in the release more than 540 of the complaints said they received an automated message or robo-call, which is a violation of the state’s Auto-Dialer Act.

“These actions should send a strong message to those businesses violating the state’s strict telephone privacy laws,” Zoeller said in the release. “Our office acknowledges that our Do Not Call law is not impervious to those who intend to device Hoosiers and break the law.

“However, our commitment to enforcing the state’s statutes remains strong and we will continue to seek new ways to stop these calls and prosecute violators.”

Safeline offers products such as medical alert devices and monitoring devices, according to their website. The complaint, which was filed in Marion County, alleges the company violated Indiana’s Do Not Call law and Auto-Dialer law.

The company does not have a Certificate of Authority from the Indiana Secretary of State to conduct business, according to the release.

Since the state’s Do Not Call law took effect in Jan. 2002, the Attorney General’s Office has obtained 296 settlements with, or judgments against, telemarketers, resulting in more than $16.8 million in penalties.

A permanent injunction against future calls, civil penalties, consumer restitution and attorney fees are sought under the lawsuit, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

For those interested in blocking sales calls and text messages, residents must meet Tuesday’s quarterly deadline. Residential landline, cell, VOIP or prepaid wireless numbers registered by that date should see a decrease in calls after Oct. 1, when the list is updated.

To register or to file a complaint, visit IndianaConsumer.com or call 1-888-834-9969.

— Mark Keierleber