How to Deal with Junk or Spam Faxes

Overview

Unwanted faxes disrupt your practice workflow and waste resources, yet they continue to arrive despite regulations like the TCPA and Junk Fax Prevention Act. Learn strategies to identify and manage spam faxes in your Cerbo system.

Unsolicited fax messages, commonly known as junk or spam faxes, are a nuisance that can disrupt your workflow and waste resources. Despite regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Junk Fax Prevention Act, these unwanted messages still find their way through. This guide will help you understand what spam faxes are, the legal implications of sending them, and how you can effectively report and block these intrusive communications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is a Spam Fax?
• Is it Illegal to Send Unsolicited Faxes?
• What is the Junk Fax Protection Act?
• How do I Stop Companies from Sending me Faxes?
• How Can You Report Junk Faxes?
• Can You Block a Number from Faxing You?

What is a Spam Fax?

A spam fax, also known as a junk fax, is any unsolicited fax message. These messages often come in the form of marketing letters or advertisements. Despite the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibiting unsolicited faxes, there is no foolproof way to completely prevent them.

Is it Illegal to Send Unsolicited Faxes?

Yes, sending unsolicited faxes is illegal. Under the “Junk Fax Prevention Act,” senders of unsolicited fax messages can be held legally liable for any damages incurred.

What is the Junk Fax Protection Act?

The Junk Fax Protection Act of 2005 prohibits the transmission of unnecessary and unwanted fax messages. Violating this act can result in a minimum fine of $500 per page. This act is enforceable only if the sender does not have an established business relationship (EBR) with the receiver.

How do I Stop Companies from Sending me Faxes?

If the fax you received includes a notice about opting out of future faxes, follow those instructions.  The opt-out information must include a cost-free way to submit the opt-out request to the sender, such as a toll-free number, local phone number, website address, or email address. These opt-out contact options must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When you send an opt-out request, be sure to identify the telephone number of your fax machine.

Senders must honor opt-out requests within the shortest reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days.

Putting an opt-out notice on a fax ad does not, by itself, make the fax lawful if the sender doesn't also satisfy the requirements described above.

If the opt-out notice on your fax is not effective, or you have reasons to believe the instructions provided by the sender are inadequate or questionable, please look to the next section on reporting to the FCC.

How Can You Report Junk Faxes?

You can report junk faxes by filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) online or by calling their consumer hotline at 1-888-225-5322. More information about the official complaint process is available on the FCC website. Courts may triple the damages for each violation if the sender is found guilty of knowingly transmitting unsolicited faxes.

Additional Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions: Fax Usage and Billing

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