(a) A telephone solicitor commits the offense of telephone solicitation fraud when engaged in any one of the following:
(1) Fails to obtain or maintain a valid certificate of registration;
(2) Obtains a certificate of registration through any false or fraudulent pretence or representation in any registration application;
(3) Knowingly fails to have received written consent to use the name of a charitable organization;
(4) Knowingly misrepresents any of the following:
(A) The total cost of the goods or services that are the subject of the telephone solicitation sales call;
(B) Material restrictions, material limitations, or material conditions to the purchase of goods or services that are the subject of a telephone solicitation;
(C) Material aspects of the performance, efficacy, nature or characteristics of goods or services that are the subject of a telephone solicitation; or
(D) Material aspects of the nature of terms of the telephone solicitor’s refund, cancellation, exchange or repurchase policies;
(5) Induces a consumer to purchase goods or services by means of a false or fraudulent pretense, representation or promise;
(6) Charges a consumer’s checking or savings account without the consumer’s express written authorization; or
(7) Procures the services of any professional delivery, courier, or other pickup service to obtain immediate receipt and/or possession of a consumer’s payment unless the goods are delivered with the opportunity to inspect before payment is collected.
(b) A person who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in §§ 22-3226.09 and 22-3226.10.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 126f; as added June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 102, 47 DCR 7039.)
This section is referenced in § 16-801, § 22-3226.10, and § 22-3226.11.
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties
Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion
Subchapter III-B - Telephone Fraud
§ 22–3226.02. Application for a certificate of registration of telephone solicitor
§ 22–3226.03. Surety bond requirements for telephone solicitors
§ 22–3226.04. Security alternative to surety bonds
§ 22–3226.06. Unlawful acts and practices
§ 22–3226.07. Deceptive acts and practices prohibited
§ 22–3226.08. Abusive telemarketing acts or practices
§ 22–3226.10. Criminal penalties
§ 22–3226.11. Private right of action
§ 22–3226.12. Statute of limitations period
§ 22–3226.13. Task force to combat fraud