Your Junk faxes may be worth money

Under the Federal Telephone Consumer and Protection Act (TCPA) of 1992, any entity that sends an unsolicited facsimile to a business or individual without their permission is subject to a fine of up to $1,500.00. An "unsolicited" fax is any advertisement for the commercial availability or quality of goods and/or services sent to any person without that person's prior express written invitation. There is a $500.00 fine for every "junk" fax sent, which is increased to $1,500.00 if the recipient can show knowledge and intent on behalf of the sender.

There are two types of culprits in these cases, "fax broadcasters" and "fax advertisers." Fax broadcasters are companies that create a database of fax numbers and actually send out the faxes. Fax advertisers hire the fax broadcasters to send out the advertisement via facsimile. The Act exists to curtail the millions of "junk" faxes sent every day. Unfortunately, most of the companies sending or advertising on the fax are either impossible to find or are insolvent. Generally these include faxes sent by travel companies advertising family vacations and those discussing a potential stock to buy.

We are currently looking at hundreds of "junk" faxes to determine if there is a case. We have class actions currently pending against numerous violators. If you have received any unsolicited fax, do not throw them away. Hold on to all "junk" faxes and consult an attorney to discuss your rights under the TCPA.