For the first time, Anatel fines large companies for abusive telemarketing

The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) announced substantial fines against large companies in the sector, including Claro and Bradesco, due to practices considered abusive in the field of telemarketing.

The penalties, which total millions of reais, highlight the agency’s determination to curb the misuse of mass telephone calls and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Image: André Dusek/Reproduction

Claro and Bradesco in Anatel’s sights

Claro, a telecommunications operator, was hit with a fine of R$15 million, while the Bradesco, one of the main financial institutions in the country, received a penalty of R$11 million.

Anatel’s decision, based on different criteria, reflects the volume and nature of the calls, as well as the economic size of the companies involved. Both companies have the right to appeal the decision before the Anatel Board of Directors.

Artur Coimbra, advisor to Anatel, explained that the companies were notified and given deadlines to adjust their practices, however, they persisted in inappropriate behavior.

Failure to comply with industry rules, which prohibit the use of mass call triggering methods, known as “robocalls”, resulted in significant fines.

There is the General Telecommunications Law that provides for fines of up to R$50 million for companies that operate abusive telemarketing.

The amounts raised go towards funds that help expand the oversight from Anatel, with any surpluses going to the federal government.

Image: Claro/Reproduction

Positioning of companies and recent history

Bradesco refrained from commenting on matters under court, while Clearin a press release, stated that it does not comment on ongoing administrative processes.

This is not the first time that Claro has faced penalties for abusive telemarketing practices. In May this year, Procon-RJ imposed a fine of R$12 million on the operator for invasive calls in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

The foundation required the creation of a registry for customers who do not wish to receive such calls, in addition to the use of the prefix “0303” to identify telemarketers.

Anatel, committed to combating telemarketing abusive, highlights the effectiveness of tools such as QualEmpresaMeLigou, which allows you to identify the company behind a telephone number.

These initiatives, together with the use of the “0303” prefix, contributed to a reduction of more than 40% in unwanted calls, according to the agency.

Artur Coimbra concludes by stating that Anatel will continue to be vigilant, fining repeat offenders and considering possible additional sanctions in the future. The message is clear: abusive practices in telemarketing will not be tolerated.