Hate Telemarketers? The New ‘Seinfeld Bill’ Forces Them to Spill the Truth in 30 Seconds

Telemarketers in New York are facing stricter rules under a new consumer protection law known as the “Seinfeld Bill.” The law, which took effect January 1, 2025, requires telemarketers to state their name, the company they represent, and the purpose of their call within the first 30 seconds of speaking to a consumer.

The nickname comes from a classic episode of Seinfeld, where Jerry famously asked a telemarketer if he could call them back at home during dinner—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the frustration many people feel about unsolicited calls.

What the Law Requires

• Telemarketers must immediately identify themselves and their business.

• They must disclose the purpose of the call.

• They must reveal if the call is being recorded.

• They are required to offer recipients the option to be placed on a company “Do Not Call” list.

The measure is designed to cut down on deceptive practices and help consumers quickly identify whether a call is legitimate or not.

Exceptions & Restrictions

The law does not apply if the consumer has initiated the contact—for example, requesting information or a follow-up call. Telemarketing calls are also restricted between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. local time.

Penalties & Enforcement:

Violators may face fines and penalties for failing to comply. Regulators say enforcement will target both unwanted sales pitches and scam operations that often prey on vulnerable consumers.

This state measure aligns with existing federal regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), which already restrict certain practices and times when calls can be made.

With spam and robocalls still among the most common consumer complaints nationwide, lawmakers hope the “Seinfeld Bill” will help restore some peace of mind when the phone rings.

Sources:

1. New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection – Consumer Alert on the Seinfeld Law (dos.ny.gov)

2. WYRK – What Is The Seinfeld Law In New York State? (wyrk.com)

3. New Jersey Governor’s Office – Governor Murphy Signs “Seinfeld Bill” Increasing Telemarketer Transparency (nj.gov)

4. Federal Trade Commission – Telemarketing Sales Rule (ftc.gov)

5. ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Assistance in compiling and summarizing legal/regulatory details from public sources