Verizon Blocks Cell Phone Telemarketer

Verizon Wireless struck a blow to cell phone telemarketing this week when it was granted a permanent injunction blocking a Miami telemarketer from making automated calls to Verizon customers.

Verizon began its fight against the calls in February when it sued All Star Vacations and Marketing Group Inc., along with another Florida travel company, for illegally soliciting wireless phone customers. The cell phone provider said more than 500,000 of its customers received telephone calls from All Star on behalf of the two travel companies. Verizon and All Star eventually agreed on the injunction on May 24, which was later entered into the New Jersey Superior Court. All Star agreed to pay $5,000 in damages to Verizon, which will donate the money to Casa de Esperenza, an organization working to prevent violence in Latino communities.