General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJust great, I got a call from "Peoples Assistance" just now...
That's what my caller ID said.
(Robocall) "This is Carmen from card services..."
What do I have to do to put this guy out of business for good?
tularetom
(23,664 posts)to tell you that your windows computer needs service.
HFRN
(1,469 posts)i say 'yes, i did get a strange message on my computer'
'what did it say?'
'it said i was going to get a call from a scammer - do you have any idea what it means'
'uh, no'
'(in a seinfeld voice) 'I think you do!'
done that more than once
csziggy
(34,136 posts)Scared me so much I bought an Apple computer. Or that I put Linux on my computer. It depends on what mood I'm in. It tends to confuse the shit out of them!
City Lights
(25,171 posts)I always tell the person calling that I don't have a computer.
City Lights
(25,171 posts)csziggy
(34,136 posts)The FCC made it easier for phone companies to do it, now we need to pressure them to get it done!
Commission Responds to Requests from Businesses and Attorneys General for
Guidance on Robocall Blocking, Autodialers, Recycled Phone Numbers and More
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2015 The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a
proposal to protect consumers against unwanted robocalls and spam texts. In a package of
declaratory rulings, the Commission affirmed consumers rights to control the calls they receive.
As part of this package, the Commission also made clear that telephone companies face no legal
barriers to allowing consumers to choose to use robocall-blocking technology.
The rulings were informed by thousands of consumer complaints about robocalls the FCC
receives each month. Complaints related to unwanted calls are the largest category of complaints
received by the Commission, numbering more than 215,000 in 2014.
Todays action addresses almost two dozen petitions and other requests that sought clarity on how the Commission interprets the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), closing loopholes
and strengthening consumer protections already on the books. The TCPA requires prior express
consent for non-emergency autodialed, prerecorded, or artificial voice calls to wireless phone
numbers, as well as for prerecorded telemarketing calls to residential wireline numbers.
The rulings provide much needed clarity for consumers and businesses. Highlights for consumers
who use either landline or wireless phones include:
Green Light for Do Not Disturb Technology
Service providers can offer robocall-
blocking technologies to consumers and implement market-based solutions that consumers
can use to stop unwanted robocalls.
Empowering Consumers to Say Stop
Consumers have the right to revoke their consent
to receive robocalls and robotexts in any reasonable way at any time.
Reassigned Numbers Arent Loopholes
If a phone number has been reassigned,
companies must stop calling the number after one call.
Third-Party Consent
A consumer whose name is in the contacts list of an acquaintances
phone does not consent to receive robocalls from third-party applications downloaded by the
acquaintance.
Additional highlights for wireless consumers include:
Affirming the Laws Definition of Autodialer
Autodialer is defined in the Act as any
technology with the capacity to dial random or sequential numbers. This definition ensures
that robocallers cannot skirt consumer consent requirements through changes in calling
technology design or by calling from a list of numbers.
Text Messages as Calls
The Commission reaffirmed that consumers are entitled to the
same consent-based protections for texts as they are for voice calls to wireless numbers.
Internet-to-Phone Text Messages
Equipment used to send Internet-to-phone text
messages is an autodialer, so the caller must have consumer consent before calling.
Very Limited and Specific Exemptions for Urgent Circumstances
Free calls or texts to alert consumers to possible fraud on their bank accounts or remind them of important medication refills, among other financial alerts or healthcare messages, are allowed without prior consent, but other types of financial or healthcare calls, such as marketing or debt
collection calls, are not allowed under these limited and very specific exemptions. Also,
consumers have the right to opt out from these permitted calls and texts at any time.
Todays actions make no changes to the Do-Not-Call Registry, which restricts unwanted
telemarketing calls, but are intended to build on the Registrys effectiveness by closing loopholes
and ensuring that consumers are fully protected from unwanted calls, including those not covered
by the Registry.
By taking action today, the Commission is embracing the opportunity afforded by the 21 requests
for clarification of the law to clearly stand with consumers against unwanted calls.
Action by the Commission June 18, 2015 by Declaratory Ruling and Order (FCC 15-72).
Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Clyburn, Commissioners Rosenworcel and ORielly
approving and dissenting in part and Commissioner Pai dissenting. Chairman Wheeler,
Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and ORielly issuing statements.
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-strengthens-consumer-protections-against-unwanted-calls-and-texts