In what it calls a demonstration of how it protects customers from unsolicited telemarketing calls, Verizon Wireless reportedly has settled a law suit filed last month against Feature Films for Families.

 

Verizon (News - Alert) filed suit against the company for illegally calling Verizon Wireless customers and employees to advertise the movie, “The Velveteen Rabbit” (which now is getting free publicity on this site).

 

Often, the privacy of customers is interrupted with telemarketing companies making unsolicited calls. Although there are many laws in place to protect customers from such calls, telemarketing companies often get around these laws and make calls to the customers to promote products or services.

 

The $25,000 cash settlement will go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), a longtime Verizon partner.

 

According to the law suit, Feature Films for Families illegally used an auto dialer to call Verizon Wireless customers about the movie. According to the company, some 500,000 calls were made to Verizon Wireless customers and employees from a single number. Customers who called these numbers were made to listen to either a prerecorded voice message or an individual reading a script promoting the anticipated release of the film.

 

“Our customers’ privacy is of utmost importance to Verizon Wireless, and we work every day to ensure it is protected. Telemarketers cannot be allowed to use unlawful methods to reach our customers and to invade their privacy,” said Steven E. Zipperstein, vice president and general counsel of Verizon Wireless. “We’re pleased with the swift resolution of this law suit, and glad to provide the NDVH.”

 

In addition to protecting its customers against unsolicited calls, Verizon is also catering to customers who speak different languages. The company recently announced it will provide its Spanish-speaking customers with a Web site that includes all information on their products and services and offers the ability to place orders, register or manage accounts online, and all in the Spanish language.