Tech support scams now face telemarketing rules, even if you call them

US regulators just tightened rules on telemarketing calls for technical support. This means companies selling tech support must now follow consumer protection laws, even if the customer called them first after seeing an ad.

Many tech support scams work by getting people to call them after seeing an ad. These calls were often exempt from telemarketing rules because the customer initiated contact. Now, companies selling technical support must follow the same consumer protection rules as outbound telemarketers, even if the customer called them first.