Stopping Robocalls in New Jersey
I keep getting robocalls — here's what New Jersey law says and what to do next.
Statute: N.J. Stat. § 56:8-127 et seq. (New Jersey Do-Not-Call Registry Act)
Deadline: 1460 days
Penalty: violations may result in actual damages, treble damages under the Consumer Fraud Act, civil penalties up to $10,000 per first offense ($20,000 per subsequent offense), and attorney fees under New Jersey law
What is stopping robocalls?
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is the primary federal law protecting you from unwanted robocalls, spam texts, and telemarketing calls. Under the TCPA, companies generally cannot call or text you using an autodialer or prerecorded voice without your prior express consent.
You have the right to put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which blocks most telemarketing calls. Violators face penalties of $500 to $1,500 per illegal call or text — and you can sue them directly in federal court.
What to Do If You Keep Getting Robocalls and Spam Calls
Step 1: Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. Registration is free and permanent.
Step 2: When you receive an unwanted call, do not press any buttons or engage with the caller. Hang up. Pressing buttons to "opt out" may confirm your number is active and lead to more calls.
Step 3: Document every unwanted call or text. Note the date, time, phone number displayed, company name (if given), and whether a prerecorded message was used. Screenshot spam texts.
Step 4: File complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. Complaints help regulators identify and shut down major violators.
Step 5: Consider suing under the TCPA. You can recover $500 per violation ($1,500 for willful violations) in federal court. Many TCPA attorneys work on contingency. For a pattern of calls, damages add up quickly.
How New Jersey differs from federal law
New Jersey provides strong protections against unwanted robocalls and telemarketing fraud:
- NJ Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.): Covers deceptive telemarketing practices. The CFA is one of the broadest consumer protection statutes in the nation and provides treble (triple) damages plus attorney fees for successful claims against fraudulent telemarketers.
- NJ Do Not Call list: New Jersey maintains its own Do Not Call registry in addition to the federal list. Telemarketers must check both the state and federal lists before calling NJ residents. Violations can result in penalties up to $10,000 per call.
- NJ Telemarketer Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-126 et seq.): Requires telemarketers to register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and post a bond. Telemarketers must identify themselves, their company, and the purpose of the call at the beginning of each call.
- AG enforcement: The NJ Attorney General actively pursues robocall and telemarketing fraud cases. The AG's office has brought significant enforcement actions against illegal robocallers and spoofing operations.
Additional steps in New Jersey
Register on the NJ Do Not Call list at donotcall.nj.gov in addition to the federal list at donotcall.gov. File complaints with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs at njconsumeraffairs.gov or call (800) 242-5846. Report robocalls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
What you should NOT do
Don't engage with suspicious callers. Don't confirm your name, press buttons, or say "yes" to unknown callers. Scammers may record your voice or use your responses to authorize fraudulent charges.
Don't give out your number unnecessarily. Every online form, loyalty program, and contest entry is a potential source of telemarketing calls. Read the fine print on consent disclosures.
Don't assume "spoofed" numbers mean you can't take action. Even if the caller ID is fake, the TCPA violation still occurred. Regulators and attorneys can trace the actual caller through subpoenas to phone carriers.
Don't pay for robocall blocking services when free options exist. Most major carriers offer free call-blocking tools (T-Mobile Scam Shield, AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter). Your phone's built-in settings can also silence unknown callers.
You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to assert your rights.
Answer a few questions. We generate a personalized tcpa complaint citing New Jersey's exact statute, deadline, and penalties — ready to print and send in minutes.
Lawyers charge $350+. Your letter: $19.
Generate your tcpa complaint →This page is general legal information for New Jersey, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.