If you are one of the 96% of Americans who have a smartphone, then you are also probably one of millions of people who get a spam call each and every day. Robocallers efforts have seen an uptick lately, placing fake phone calls to any number they can get their hands on, sometimes more than once a day. A new trend called ‘spoofing’ even makes the robocaller appear to be originating from your hometown.
Why are you getting so many spam calls, though, if you’re on the federal “do not call” list? The answer lies in the “robot’s” origin: overseas: In the first six months of 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reported it received about 200 complaints per day about overseas robocalls and “spoofing” calls.
To try to deter overseas robocallers from hounding Americans, the FCC has recently voted on a new set of rules that further empower the agency. The rules – brought in through a unanimous vote – will help the FCC attempt to track, pursue, and penalize overseas companies that use robocallers or robo-texters. Cell providers and companies that manufacturer smartphones have also been granted more authority to bar robocalls.
You Can Fight Robocallers, Too
With the FCC taking more steps to shut down robocallers, it may be that individual consumers will benefit from the added authority as well. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was created to shield consumers from aggressive telemarketers and robocallers. If they harass you and break TCPA regulations, then you can sue for damages up to $1,500 per phone call. As the FCC tries to bring overseas companies into accountability, it might be possible for you to do the same.
Call (312) 313-1613 to connect with Atlas Consumer Law in Chicago. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights under the TCPA and inform you if you have a valid case to bring against an overseas robocalling company.