New Law Dials in on Robocalls

Illegal robocalls have become an epidemic. Robocalls have doubled in the past two years. In 2019, there were roughly 58.5 billion robocalls or about 178 per person, according to YouMail.

According to the FCC, that’s nearly half your calls.

Not all robocalls are illegal. Schools and companies like pharmacies use robocall technologies to give you important announcements.

Illegal phone calls are unwanted, annoying, and a top consumer complaint. In response, the U.S. government passed a new law to crack down on robocalls.

Individuals who flout the new law can now expect fines up to $10,000 per illegal phone call from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Congress passed the new law - the TRACED Act - that empowers the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to crack down on illegal robocalls and spoofing. The Bill was signed into new law by President Trump on December 30, 2019.

The Traced Act also requires phone companies to offer call authentication technologies to consumers.

It may take time for consumers to see results from the new law. Meanwhile, take the following steps.

Step 1 - Add your phone number to the Do Not Call Registry.

Step 2 - Contact your phone service provider for tools and services.

Step 3 - Report unwanted robocalls to the FTC.

Step 3 - Stay informed from the FTC about robocalls and what you can do about them.