FTCFinal Rule

Telemarketing Sales Rule Fees

Finance & BankingOther

Summary

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has updated rules about fees that telemarketing companies can charge consumers. This regulation helps protect people from unexpected charges when they respond to telemarketing calls or advertisements.

Key Points

  • 1Telemarketing companies must be clear about any fees before charging customers' credit cards or bank accounts
  • 2Companies cannot charge fees unless they have clear written permission from the customer first
  • 3The rule applies to businesses that sell products or services over the phone, through TV infomercials, or online
  • 4Consumers can dispute unauthorized charges and get their money back more easily under these rules
  • 5Companies that break these rules can face fines and legal action from the FTC

Impact Assessment

If you are a consumer, this means telemarketing companies must be clearer about what fees they can charge you and when, reducing surprise charges on your account.

Impact Level
Moderate
Geographic Scope

National

Compliance Cost

Moderate

Who is Affected
ConsumersSmall BusinessesFinancial Institutions

Key Dates

Published

August 27, 2025

Regulatory Connections

Amends CFR Sections
16 CFR Part 310
Other Documents in This Rulemaking (FTC-2025-0429)

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.