FCC Cites First National Bank and Lyft for Telemarketing Violations

The Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau issued citations to First National Bank Corporation (FNB) and Lyft, Inc., putting both companies on notice that they have violated laws and rules enforced by the FCC. Both companies are being cited for violating rules protecting consumers against unwanted autodialed text messages.

First National Bank requires its online banking and Apple Pay customers to agree to receive autodialed telemarketing texts in order to use its services. Lyft purports to allow consumers who sign up for its ride-sharing service to opt out of receiving autodialed or prerecorded telemarketing calls and texts, but does not allow users to access the service if they do exercise their right to opt out of marketing calls and texts. Both of these companies' practices violate the FCC’s rules implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.