Robocall Defendants’ Answer Due Jan. 3 in Lawsuit Brought by Pa. AG

An answer is due by Jan. 3 from five telemarketing entities accused in a Nov. 2 complaint by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D) of generating hundreds of thousands of unwanted robocalls to Pennsylvania consumers (see 2211030056), said an electronic-only entry Wednesday (docket 2:22-cv-1551) in U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh. The complaint alleges violations of the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule, plus state and federal unfair competition laws, but not the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, because the five entities aren't alleged to have placed the calls themselves. Shapiro was elected Pennsylvania governor Nov. 8.