Coalition of Attorneys General Asking the FCC to Allow Phone Companies to Do More to Block Illegal Robocalls – including Neighbor Spoofing

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh has joined a coalition of 34 attorneys general in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create new rules allowing telephone service providers to block illegal robocalls being made to unsuspecting consumers in Maryland and across the country.

New spoofing tactics used by scammers include “neighbor spoofing,” a technique that allows calls – no matter where they originate – to appear on a consumer’s caller ID as being made from a phone number that has the same local area code as the consumer.  This manipulation of caller ID information increases the likelihood that the consumer will answer the call, and it is being utilized by scammers at an alarming and increasing rate.

“Illegal robocalls are not just an irritant, but are utilized by scammers to gain access to consumers’ personal information, especially from seniors and other vulnerable populations,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Scammers frequently change their tactics to find new ways to steal valuable personal information.  The FCC must step up its efforts and allow telephone service providers to employ new technology to protect consumers.”

Read more on the Calvert Beacon’s website by clicking here.