Murphy signs ‘Seinfeld Bill’ to combat telemarketing scams

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On May 16, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the “Seinfeld Bill” into law.

Inspired by a scene from the hit sitcom, Senate Bill 921/Assembly Bill 1545 requires telemarketers to identify themselves and who they represent within the first 30 seconds of a sales call.

Under the new law, telemarketers are required to provide the name, mailing address, and telephone number on whose behalf the call is being made, as well as the purpose of the call. Telemarketers will have to display their mailing address and the address of the business they represent on their website and in any written communication sent to a customer.

The legislation also requires that a telemarketer cannot make any unsolicited telemarketing sales call to customers between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Failure to adhere to the new disclosure requirements would result in a disorderly person’s offense, along with other applicable penalties, in accordance with the Consumer Fraud Act.

“The famous ‘Seinfeld’ scene where Jerry is irritated that telemarketers can call at any time, under any pretense, and without any kind of guidelines or consequences, makes light of a situation many New Jerseyans face every day, sometimes multiple times a day,” said Murphy. “I am proud to sign the ‘Seinfeld Bill’ and to establish much-needed transparency in telemarketing.”

Oh, gee, I can’t talk right now 🤔 ⚠️
 
Today, @GovMurphy signed @JonBramnick’s “Seinfeld Bill” into law, requiring telemarketers to share their name, phone number, and address within the first 30 seconds of a telemarketing call. pic.twitter.com/wW4kh9gFD7

— New Jersey (@NJGov) May 15, 2023

Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-21st District, a prime sponsor of the measure, said that when you answer a telemarketer’s call, you should know right up front who they are and who they work for.

“If they’re on the up and up, telemarketing firms should have no issue with this bill,” said Bramnick. “I am pleased that the governor signed this legislation today to protect New Jerseyans from telemarketing scams.”

“There’s an overwhelming number of scams targeting seniors by phone,” said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, D-4th District, a prime bill sponsor. “This new law will clearly alert seniors that a telemarketer is seeking to sell them something and the law will provide them with a level of protection. It’s important to do what we can to protect our seniors from falling victim to scams. This may also help cut down on the overwhelming number of calls seniors receive at home.”