An investigation by the state Public Service Commission alleges that 19 telemarketing companies made 263 illegal calls to Mississippians in violation of the No-Call law.

The No-Call law prohibits telemarketers from calling Mississippians registered on the no-call list.

Commissioner Brandon Presley announced the charges on the commission website Friday.

According to the news release, each call carries a $5,000 fine for a total of $1,180,000 if the companies are found to have violated the law. 

“We are committed to charging every, single predatory telemarketer that violates the No-Call law. Mississippians deserve to have their privacy protected. This action sends a message to these companies and others that if you invade the privacy of our citizens, the PSC is coming after you,” Presley said in the release.

Presley encouraged Mississippians to download the PSC’s new smartphone app, which can be found by searching “PSC No-Call” in the iTunes App Store or Google Play Marketplace. The app allows citizens to immediately report calls to the PSC from their cell phones.

Also, landline phones can be registered at www.psc.state.ms.us or by calling 1-800-637-7722.

Companies charged include: Midland Credit Management, Inc., San Diego, California; Cardston Direct, Phoenix, Arizona; Call Creator Plus, Santa Monica, California; Lead Transfers, LLC, Tallahassee, Florida; Student Aid Consulting Service/SDR, LLC, Gardena, California; NSAC/National Student Aid Care, Downey, California; Medsupps Solutions, Coconut Creek, Florida; Michael O’Hare, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Loud Cloud Nine, LLC, West Palm Beach, Florida; American Getaways, LLC, Delray Beach, Florida; First Class Development, Olympia, Washington; Premier Marketing Services of FL, Boca Raton, Florida; Telesero, LLC, Buffalo, New York; Direct Auto Warranty, Del Ray Beach, Florida; Hola Maria, Corp., Miami, Florida; Internet Brands, Inc., El Segundo, California; Vehicle Protection Specialists, Irvine, California; High-Tech Auto Protection, LLC, Ontario, California; and Global One American Solutions, Margate, Florida.