Robocalls have become an ever-increasing plague on Americans across the country. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Americans received approximately 48 billion robocalls in 2020 alone. With numbers like that, it's no surprise that the FCC is now actively working on combating robocalls with Stir/Shaken protocols and other regulations. In this helpful guide, we'll examine the reasons why robocalls are a problem for Americans, as well as the top ways the FCC is trying to combat them.

Top Dangers of Increased Robocalls in the United States.

Diminishing the End User’s Experience.

One of the biggest reasons that robocalls are a problem is that they are a nuisance. They can happen at all hours of the day, interrupting important moments like work meetings or family dinners. Many robocalls are also used for fraudulent purposes, such as scams that try to trick people into giving up personal information. This not only compromises people's privacy but can also lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other damaging outcomes.

Increased Security Risks.

Furthermore, robocalls can also be used for harassment or threatening purposes, which can be scary and distressing for many people. This can be especially troubling for vulnerable populations like the elderly, who may be more easily frightened or tricked by robocall scams.

New Artificial Intelligence Technology.

As technology advances, robocallers are finding new ways to bypass existing protections and regulations. For example, some robocalls are now being made using artificial intelligence, which can make it more difficult to detect them as fraudulent. Additionally, there are legal loopholes that some companies use to make robocalls that are technically legal but still abusive or unwanted.

FCC Stir/Shaken Robocall Protocols and Other Solutions.

Fortunately, the FCC is taking steps to combat robocalls. One of the primary steps is the implementation of Stir/Shaken robocalls protocols, which are designed to verify the authenticity of calls. Stir/Shaken protocols require phone providers to verify that the phone number associated with the call is actually the number that the caller is using. This helps to reduce the number of spoofed robocalls, which are calls that pretend to come from a legitimate phone number but are actually from a fraudulent source.

Another key tactic that the FCC is using to combat robocalls is to increase enforcement of existing regulations. In 2019, the FCC announced that it had levied a $37.5 million fine against a company called Rising Eagle for making approximately 1 billion illegal robocalls. This was the largest fine in the FCC's history, and it sent a clear message to other companies that robocalls will not be tolerated.

The FCC is also working with phone providers to develop tools and technologies that consumers can use to protect themselves from robocalls. For example, many phone providers now offer robocall-blocking services that can help to filter out unwanted calls. There are also third-party apps that can be downloaded onto smartphones to block robocalls. Additionally, the FCC launched the National Do Not Call Registry in 2003. People can add their phone number to the registry, and telemarketers are required by law to stop calling numbers on the list. While the registry is not foolproof, it can help to reduce the number of robocalls that people receive.

Do Your Part to End Robocalls!

Prescott-Martini understands the unique challenges telecommunications providers are facing as they try to combat robocalls. That’s why we’re proud to serve as experts on Stir/Shaken robocall solutions. We can help you monitor your network with leading technology to ensure you remain compliant with the FCC’s new regulations. You can learn more about our various monitoring services online, or contact us to get started today.