These generally include types of unsolicited calls from telemarketers and robocalls. Media reports published complaints of alleged fraudulent robocalls or harassing live calls in 100 ridings. Nessel started a state-wide campaign to crackdown on illegal robocalls targeting Michigan residents. Mallahan criticized McGinn for "push polling" with robocalls to Seattle residents during the campaign. It involved robocalls and real-person calls that were designed to result in voter suppression. The patch-work of state laws regulating political robocalls has created problems for national campaigns. Many mobile apps can prevent robocalls with a user generated blacklist. Some robocalls use personalized audio messages to simulate an actual personal phone call. Both Prescott and Sona have repeatedly denied any involvement in making the illegal robocalls. September 1, 2009, FTC regulations banning most robocalls went into effect. In response to the Guelph robocalls alone, 281 people called back Pierre Poutine's cellphone. The company has received criticism for allegedly engaging in practices such as robocalls. The robocalls did not identify the VPC as the caller. Some states (23 according to DMNews) have laws that regulate or prohibit political robocalls. Other contact techniques such as direct mail, robocalls, and email have small to undetectable effects.