TELEPHONE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT VIOLATION DEMAND LETTER
STATE OF WASHINGTON
SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
AND FIRST-CLASS MAIL
[DATE]
[DEFENDANT COMPANY NAME]
ATTN: Legal Department / Registered Agent
[DEFENDANT ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: TCPA Violation Demand - Unauthorized Telephone Communications
Consumer: [CONSUMER FULL NAME]
Telephone Number(s) Affected: [PHONE NUMBER(S)]
Approximate Number of Violations: [NUMBER]
Dear Sir or Madam:
This law firm represents [CONSUMER FULL NAME] ("Consumer" or "Client") in connection with your company's violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA"), 47 U.S.C. Section 227, its implementing regulations at 47 C.F.R. Section 64.1200, and applicable Washington state law. Your company has placed unauthorized telephone calls and/or sent unauthorized text messages to our Client, entitling our Client to substantial statutory damages.
Please direct all future communications regarding this matter to our office and immediately cease all telephone communications with our Client.
I. WASHINGTON-SPECIFIC LEGAL FRAMEWORK
A. Federal TCPA Claims
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act provides a private right of action with statutory damages of $500 per violation, increased to $1,500 for willful or knowing violations. 47 U.S.C. Section 227(b)(3). The statute of limitations for TCPA claims is four (4) years under 28 U.S.C. Section 1658(a).
B. Washington Automatic Dialing and Announcing Device Statute
Washington has enacted RCW 80.36.400, which regulates automatic dialing and announcing devices.
Key Provisions:
- Commercial Purpose Restriction: Prohibits use of automatic dialing and announcing devices for commercial solicitation purposes. RCW 80.36.400(1).
- Prior Consent Requirement: Requires prior consent before using such devices. RCW 80.36.400(1).
- Identification Requirements: Messages must identify the caller and provide contact information. RCW 80.36.400(2).
Enforcement: Violations are per se violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act.
C. Washington Consumer Protection Act
The Washington Consumer Protection Act ("CPA"), RCW 19.86 et seq., provides strong consumer protection remedies.
Private Right of Action: RCW 19.86.090 provides consumers a private right of action for unfair or deceptive acts.
Remedies Available:
- Actual damages. RCW 19.86.090
- Treble damages (up to $25,000). RCW 19.86.090
- Attorney's fees and costs. RCW 19.86.090
- Injunctive relief
Note: The Washington CPA does not require proof of intent or reliance; the plaintiff must show (1) an unfair or deceptive act, (2) in trade or commerce, (3) affecting the public interest, (4) causing injury to plaintiff's business or property, and (5) causation.
Statute of Limitations: Four (4) years. RCW 19.86.120.
D. Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act
For text message violations, the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act, RCW 19.190, may provide additional remedies for commercial text messages sent without consent.
E. Do-Not-Call Provisions
Washington does not maintain a separate state Do-Not-Call registry. Residents rely on the National Do-Not-Call Registry. However, violations of the federal registry requirements, combined with Washington's automatic dialing statute violations, may give rise to strong state CPA claims.
II. SUMMARY OF VIOLATIONS
Our Client's claims are based on the following categories of violations:
Autodialed and/or Prerecorded Calls/Texts to Cell Phone (47 U.S.C. Section 227(b)(1)(A)):
[ ] Calls made using an automatic telephone dialing system ("ATDS") without prior express consent
[ ] Calls using an artificial or prerecorded voice without prior express consent
[ ] Text messages sent using an ATDS without prior express consent
[ ] Calls/texts made after consent was revoked
[ ] Calls/texts to a reassigned number without proper procedures
Telemarketing Calls (47 U.S.C. Section 227(c); 47 C.F.R. Section 64.1200):
[ ] Telemarketing calls to number on National Do-Not-Call Registry
[ ] Telemarketing calls to number on company-specific do-not-call list
[ ] Failure to maintain internal do-not-call list
[ ] Calls outside permitted hours (before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. local time)
[ ] Failure to provide required caller identification information
[ ] Failure to honor opt-out requests within 30 days
Prerecorded Telemarketing Calls (47 U.S.C. Section 227(b)(1)(B)):
[ ] Prerecorded telemarketing calls to residential line without prior express written consent
[ ] Prerecorded calls that fail to provide opt-out mechanism at beginning of message
[ ] Prerecorded calls that fail to provide toll-free opt-out number
Washington Automatic Dialing Device Violations (RCW 80.36.400):
[ ] Use of automatic dialing device for commercial solicitation without consent
[ ] Failure to identify caller in automated message
[ ] Failure to provide contact information
Washington CPA Violations (RCW 19.86.020):
[ ] Per se violations through violation of RCW 80.36.400
[ ] Unfair trade practices through unwanted solicitations
[ ] Deceptive acts in consumer transactions
III. STATEMENT OF FACTS
A. Background Information
Consumer Information:
- Name: [CONSUMER FULL NAME]
- Telephone Number(s): [LIST ALL AFFECTED NUMBERS]
- Type of Number: [ ] Cellular [ ] Residential Landline [ ] Business [ ] VoIP
- Number Registration: [ ] National DNC Registry (Date: [DATE]) [ ] Company-specific DNC request (Date: [DATE])
- Washington Resident: Yes
Defendant Information:
- Company Name: [DEFENDANT NAME]
- Type of Business: [DESCRIPTION]
- Relationship to Consumer: [ ] No prior relationship [ ] Former customer [ ] Inquiry only [ ] Other: [DESCRIBE]
B. Consent Status
Our Client [SELECT ONE]:
[ ] Never provided any form of consent to receive calls or texts from your company
[ ] Never provided prior express written consent for telemarketing calls or texts
[ ] Provided limited consent that did not extend to the type of calls/texts received. Specifically: [DESCRIBE LIMITATION]
[ ] Revoked any prior consent on [DATE] by [DESCRIBE METHOD - verbal request, written request, opt-out text, etc.]
[ ] The telephone number was reassigned to our Client on approximately [DATE], and our Client never provided consent
C. Call/Text Log
The following is a log of unauthorized communications our Client received from your company:
| Date | Time | Type | Caller ID | Duration/Content | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [DATE] | [TIME] | [ ] Call [ ] Text [ ] Voicemail | [NUMBER DISPLAYED] | [DESCRIPTION] | [ ] Phone records [ ] Screenshot [ ] Recording [ ] Voicemail saved |
| [DATE] | [TIME] | [ ] Call [ ] Text [ ] Voicemail | [NUMBER DISPLAYED] | [DESCRIPTION] | [ ] Phone records [ ] Screenshot [ ] Recording [ ] Voicemail saved |
| [DATE] | [TIME] | [ ] Call [ ] Text [ ] Voicemail | [NUMBER DISPLAYED] | [DESCRIPTION] | [ ] Phone records [ ] Screenshot [ ] Recording [ ] Voicemail saved |
[CONTINUE AS NEEDED - OR ATTACH SEPARATE LOG]
Total Documented Violations: [NUMBER]
Estimated Additional Violations: [NUMBER]
D. Evidence of Autodialer Use
The following characteristics indicate that your company used an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) or prerecorded messages:
[ ] Prerecorded or artificial voice message
[ ] Pause before connection to live agent ("dead air")
[ ] Identical or substantially similar message content across multiple calls
[ ] Generic messaging not specific to our Client
[ ] High call volume inconsistent with manual dialing
[ ] Calls/texts received at unusual or automated intervals
[ ] Simultaneous calls to multiple lines
[ ] Company marketing materials or website referencing automated calling technology
[ ] Other: [DESCRIBE]
IV. LEGAL ANALYSIS
A. Automatic Telephone Dialing System (ATDS) Calls - 47 U.S.C. Section 227(b)(1)(A)
The TCPA prohibits any person from making any call using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice to any telephone number assigned to a cellular telephone service without the prior express consent of the called party. 47 U.S.C. Section 227(b)(1)(A)(iii).
Following the Supreme Court's decision in Facebook, Inc. v. Duguid, 141 S. Ct. 1163 (2021), an ATDS is defined as equipment that uses a random or sequential number generator either to store or produce numbers to be called.
B. Prior Express Consent Requirement
For non-telemarketing autodialed or prerecorded calls, the caller must obtain "prior express consent." 47 C.F.R. Section 64.1200(a)(1). For telemarketing autodialed or prerecorded calls, the caller must obtain "prior express written consent," which must:
- Be in writing (including electronic agreements)
- Bear the signature of the person called
- Clearly authorize the caller to deliver telemarketing messages using an ATDS or prerecorded voice
- Include the telephone number to which calls may be made
- Not be required as a condition of purchase
47 C.F.R. Section 64.1200(f)(9).
Your company lacks valid consent because [EXPLAIN WHY].
C. National Do-Not-Call Registry Violations - 47 U.S.C. Section 227(c)
Our Client's number has been registered on the National Do-Not-Call Registry since [DATE]. Your company had constructive notice of this registration and was prohibited from making telemarketing calls to our Client.
D. Washington CPA Analysis
Under the Washington Consumer Protection Act, your conduct constitutes an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce because [DESCRIBE HOW CONDUCT VIOLATES CPA]. Violations of RCW 80.36.400 (automatic dialing devices) are per se violations of the CPA. The CPA provides for treble damages up to $25,000 and attorney's fees.
E. Willful and Knowing Violations
The TCPA provides for treble damages ($1,500 per violation) where the defendant "willfully or knowingly" violated the statute. 47 U.S.C. Section 227(b)(3)(C).
Your violations were willful and knowing because:
[ ] You continued calling after our Client explicitly revoked consent
[ ] You continued calling after our Client requested placement on your do-not-call list
[ ] You have been the subject of prior TCPA complaints, lawsuits, or regulatory actions
[ ] You continued calling a number registered on the National DNC Registry
[ ] Other evidence of willfulness: [DESCRIBE]
V. DAMAGES CALCULATION
A. Federal TCPA Statutory Damages Under 47 U.S.C. Section 227(b)(3)
| Category | Number of Violations | Standard Damages ($500) | Treble Damages ($1,500) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autodialed calls to cell phone | [NUMBER] | $[AMOUNT] | $[AMOUNT] |
| Prerecorded calls to cell phone | [NUMBER] | $[AMOUNT] | $[AMOUNT] |
| Texts sent via ATDS | [NUMBER] | $[AMOUNT] | $[AMOUNT] |
| DNC Registry violations | [NUMBER] | $[AMOUNT] | $[AMOUNT] |
| Calls after consent revocation | [NUMBER] | $[AMOUNT] | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL FEDERAL | [NUMBER] | $[AMOUNT] | $[AMOUNT] |
B. Washington CPA Damages
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Actual Damages | $[AMOUNT] |
| Treble Damages (up to $25,000) | $[AMOUNT] |
| Attorney's Fees | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL STATE | $[AMOUNT] |
C. Combined Damages Summary
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal TCPA Damages | $[AMOUNT] |
| Washington CPA Damages | $[AMOUNT] |
| Attorney's Fees | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL DAMAGES | $[AMOUNT] |
VI. PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE
You are hereby directed to preserve all documents, data, and electronically stored information related to our Client and your calling practices, including but not limited to:
- All call records, including metadata, to and from our Client's telephone number(s)
- All text message records and content
- Consent records, including any purported written consent
- Do-not-call lists and opt-out records
- Calling platform data, including dialer logs and campaign records
- Vendor agreements and records from any third-party calling services
- Training materials for calling personnel
- Policies and procedures for TCPA compliance
- Records of any prior TCPA complaints, lawsuits, or regulatory inquiries
Failure to preserve this evidence may result in sanctions, adverse inference instructions, and separate claims for spoliation under Washington law.
VII. DEMAND FOR SETTLEMENT
To resolve this matter without the time and expense of litigation, we demand the following:
A. Monetary Compensation
Payment of $[SETTLEMENT DEMAND] within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter, representing:
- Statutory/treble damages for documented violations: $[AMOUNT]
- Washington CPA damages: $[AMOUNT]
- Attorney's fees incurred to date: $[AMOUNT]
B. Injunctive Relief
-
Permanent removal of our Client's telephone number(s) from all calling lists, databases, and marketing campaigns
-
Placement of our Client on your company's internal do-not-call list
-
Written confirmation that the above actions have been taken
VIII. RESPONSE REQUIRED
Please respond to this demand in writing within thirty (30) days. Your response should include:
- The identity of your calling platform or service provider
- The source of our Client's telephone number
- Any consent records you believe you possess
- Your settlement offer
If we do not receive a satisfactory response within the stated timeframe, we are authorized to file suit in the appropriate Washington state court or the United States District Court for the Western or Eastern District of Washington without further notice.
IX. CONCLUSION
Your company's repeated violations of the TCPA and Washington law have caused our Client significant annoyance, inconvenience, and invasion of privacy. We strongly encourage you to resolve this matter promptly.
This letter is written without prejudice to any rights or remedies of our Client, all of which are expressly reserved.
Respectfully submitted,
[LAW FIRM NAME]
By: _________________________________
[ATTORNEY NAME]
Washington State Bar Association No. [NUMBER]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, WASHINGTON ZIP]
[TELEPHONE]
[EMAIL]
Attorneys for [CONSUMER FULL NAME]
ENCLOSURES:
[ ] Call/text log with dates and times
[ ] Phone records/billing statements
[ ] Screenshots of text messages
[ ] Voicemail recordings (on USB drive)
[ ] Written revocation of consent
[ ] DNC Registry confirmation
[ ] Authorization to represent
cc: [CONSUMER NAME]
[CLIENT FILE]
WASHINGTON-SPECIFIC PRACTICE NOTES
[ ] Strong CPA Remedies: Washington CPA provides treble damages (up to $25,000), attorney's fees, and does not require proof of intent or reliance.
[ ] Per Se Violations: Violations of RCW 80.36.400 (automatic dialing devices) are per se CPA violations.
[ ] Five Elements: Washington CPA requires: (1) unfair/deceptive act, (2) in trade/commerce, (3) affecting public interest, (4) injury to business or property, (5) causation.
[ ] No State DNC Registry: Washington does not maintain a state Do-Not-Call registry; rely on National Registry.
[ ] Attorney General Enforcement: Consider reporting violations to the Washington State Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
[ ] Venue: Actions may be filed in Washington state court or in the U.S. District Court for the Western or Eastern District of Washington.
[ ] Class Actions: TCPA claims may be brought as class actions. Consider whether class treatment is appropriate.
[ ] Small Claims: For smaller individual claims, consider Washington Small Claims Court (up to $10,000).
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Washington attorney before use.