Woman who got 153 robocalls awarded nearly $230,000

AP

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has awarded a Texas woman nearly $230,000, saying a cable company harassed her with 153 robocalls even after she complained about them.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan federal court ordered Time Warner Cable Inc. on Tuesday to make the $229,500 payment to Araceli King of Irwing, Texas.

She sued last year, saying she had repeatedly asked the company to stop making the calls.

A spokeswoman for Time Warner says the company is reviewing its options and determining how to proceed.

Hellerstein says he tripled the $1,500 penalty for each call because Time Warner's actions were "particularly egregious."

King's lawyer, Sergei Lemberg, says his client is delighted. He says the decision sends a message to consumers to "stop taking it on the chin" when robocalls don't stop.