Stop Junk Faxes

"If you've got a fax machine, you've probably heard from companies that want to help you refinance your mortgage, lose weight fast and buy cheap office supplies. Some of them may even want to cut you in on the investment deal of a lifetime.

Most junk faxes are illegal. If you've never had a business relationship with the sender or given permission to have faxes sent to you, the fax is against federal law. In addition, investment-related faxes may violate securities law.

Recipients often get very frustrated.

Consider a lawsuit. If you're so inclined, you can save your faxes and contact a lawyer who takes this type of case on a contingency basis, getting paid only if you win. A simple violation can be worth $500 per page.

"We normally don't have to go to trial on them," said Clearwater lawyer James Thomas, who said the offenders typically settle. He said companies that knowingly break the law can be hit for triple damages of up to $1,500 per page.

Thomas said he relies on an extensive database and "trade secrets" to identify offenders and then collect from them."

Sources of Information:

Check out Mr. Thomas at his website, See also www.JunkFaxPrevention.com, Read more about junk faxes at www.junkfax.org and www.fcc.gov .

St Pete Times