SAN DIEGO -- The Federal Communications Commission imposed the maximum penalty against Fax.com, Inc., for hundreds of violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the FCC's own rules against companies sending unwanted faxes. The company was fined $5.379 million.

According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a company is not allowed to send faxex unless they have permission from the recipient. Each violation is punishable with a fine of $11,000.

"Consumers hate to go to their fax machine only to find their resources have been wasted on spam and junk," said FCC Chairman Michael Powell when he announced the action against Fax.com.

Powell said the FCC fine sent a message to junk faxers -- "Violate our rules and you will pay the consequences."

Fax.com and similar companies engage in what the industry calls fax blasting. They plug ads into a computer and send it to millions of telephone numbers compiled in massive data bases.

In addition to the fine, the FCC is giving Fax.com 30 days to prove the company is no longer violating junk fax laws, or there could be more trouble for the company.

The FCC urged consumers to file complaints against junk faxers.

For information log onto the FCC Web site at www.fcc.gov.

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is one of many consumer groups leading the charge against junk faxes, calling them an invasion of privacy and unfair expense to the unsuspecting public.

Director Beth Givens recommended consumers report junk faxes and save copies of them for reference. She said the FCC listens to complaints and responds when they see large numbers or a trend. She also recommended that consumers register their fax lines on the national Do Not Call list administered by the Federal Trade Commission.

Register your number online at www.donotcall.gov.