Phone companies get new tools to block spam calls

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Phone companies will have greater authority to block unwanted calls from reaching customers as regulators adopted new rules to combat automated messages known as robocalls.

Rules adopted Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission represent the latest tools against robocalls, which pester consumers, sometimes multiple times each day, and often push scams. The agency, which regulates the country’s phone, broadcast TV and internet services, also hopes that recent big fines will help deter scammers.

Phone companies can already block some calls trick consumers by showing up on Caller ID with fake numbers. The new rules make clear that they can block additional calls that are likely scams, such as numbers that start with a 911 area code or one that isn’t currently assigned to anyone.

The changes won’t stop robocalls completely, though experts say these steps are a good start.

The federal and state “Do Not Call” lists are supposed to protect people from unwanted calls from telemarketers. But scammers don’t care about breaking the law.

Scammers reach people cheaply and easily using autodialers, which spew out a large number of calls automatically. It’s estimated Americans receive tens of millions of robocalls every day. Not all of them are fraudsters, of course. Pharmacies send automated messages about prescriptions being filled. But too often, it’s this: You owe the IRS money; it’s Microsoft calling to fix your computer; free cruises!

The steps the FCC took lets carriers crack down on these spoofed numbers.

Experts have said these are solid developments, but won’t protect consumers from all unwanted calls. Not every one of those is from a spoofed number. Debt collectors and political campaigns are not covered under the Do Not Call lists.

Robocallers and spammers will still try to find ways to their victims. But there are common-sense measures for consumers to follow.

Don’t answer the phone if you don’t recognize the number. (Yes, this is impractical on business phone lines.)

Hang up on unwanted callers. Don’t talk to them or press any buttons. If you engage with them, they might flag you as someone who’s responsive and inundate you with more calls. Block the number after the call, if possible.

Don’t give callers personal information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers.

Use call-blocking apps. If you have privacy concerns, check the app’s policy to see if it’s sharing your call or contacts data with marketers.