Your Rights to Stop Robocalls and Telemarketing

What Is the Do Not Call Registry?

The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service managed by the Federal Trade Commission that allows you to limit the telemarketing calls you receive:

Key facts:

• Created in 2003
• Over 244 million phone numbers registered
• Registration is permanent (doesn't expire)
• Free to register
• Covers landlines and cell phones
• Reduces but doesn't eliminate all telemarketing calls

How to Register

Online (easiest):

• Go to DoNotCall.gov
• Enter up to 3 phone numbers at a time
• Confirm via email
• Registration effective within 31 days

By phone:

• Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register
• Automated system
• Can only register the number you're calling from

What you need:

• Email address (for online registration and confirmations)
• Phone number(s) to register
• That's it - no other information required

How Long Does Registration Last?

Permanent (as of 2008):

• Registrations no longer expire
• Remains in effect until you disconnect the number or remove it
• If you registered before 2008, your registration was automatically made permanent

When to re-register:

• If you get a new phone number, register the new number
• If you're still getting illegal telemarketing calls 31+ days after registering, verify registration at DoNotCall.gov
• Can register again anytime (won't hurt anything)

What Happens After You Register

Within 31 days:

• Telemarketers must stop calling your number
• Companies have 31 days to update their call lists
• After 31 days, most telemarketing calls become illegal

What you'll notice:

• Significant reduction in telemarketing calls (typically 80%+ decrease)
• Won't eliminate ALL calls (some are exempt - see below)
• Illegal robocallers often ignore registry
• Some legitimate companies may still call (existing business relationship)

If you still get calls:

• Wait at least 31 days after registering
• Many calls are exempt (political, charities, surveys)
• Some calls are from scammers who ignore the law
• File complaints for illegal calls (see below)

Verifying Your Registration

To check if your number is registered:

• Go to DoNotCall.gov/verify
• Enter your phone number and email
• Receive confirmation email showing registration status
• Shows date registered

What Is the TCPA?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act is a federal law enacted in 1991 that restricts telemarketing calls, robocalls, and text message spam:

Major TCPA protections:

• Prohibits robocalls to cell phones without prior express written consent
• Prohibits pre-recorded telemarketing calls to landlines without consent
• Restricts telemarketing call times (8am-9pm recipient's local time)
• Requires companies maintain internal do-not-call lists
• Requires caller ID transmission (no spoofing)
• Prohibits autodialed/pre-recorded calls to emergency lines, hospitals, cell phones
• Prohibits unsolicited advertising faxes
• Restricts text message spam

Why TCPA matters:

• Provides private right of action - YOU can sue violators
• Statutory damages: $500 per violation, $1,500 if willful
• Don't need to prove actual damages
• Can sue in small claims court
• Creates financial deterrent against illegal robocallers

TCPA vs. Do Not Call Registry

Two related but different protections:

Use both: Register on Do Not Call Registry AND enforce your TCPA rights. Together they provide maximum protection.

Key TCPA Definitions

Autodialer (ATDS):

• Equipment that automatically dials phone numbers
• Can store or produce numbers randomly or sequentially
• Calls cell phones without human intervention
• ILLEGAL to use for marketing calls to cell phones without written consent

Pre-recorded message:

• Recorded voice message (not live person)
• Also called "robocall"
• ILLEGAL to cell phones without written consent
• ILLEGAL to landlines for telemarketing without written consent

Prior express written consent:

• Written agreement to receive calls/texts
• Must be clear and conspicuous
• Must be separate from other terms (not buried in fine print)
• Must include phone number to be called
• Signature required (electronic signature acceptable)
• Can be revoked at any time

Illegal Robocalls to Cell Phones

ALWAYS illegal to cell phones WITHOUT written consent:

• Pre-recorded telemarketing messages
• Calls using autodialers for telemarketing
• Pre-recorded messages about products, services, or offers
• Debt collection robocalls (unless you consented)
• ANY robocall to cell phone without your written permission

Even if you consented, still illegal if:

• You revoked consent and they keep calling
• They call before 8am or after 9pm your local time
• They don't provide opt-out mechanism
• They spoof caller ID
• They call number on Do Not Call Registry (after 31 days, no existing relationship)

Illegal Telemarketing Practices

Calling Do Not Call Registry numbers:

• Calling registered numbers for telemarketing (after 31 days)
• Unless existing business relationship or prior consent
• Maximum penalty: $46,517 per call (FTC enforcement)

Calling outside permitted hours:

• Before 8:00 AM recipient's local time
• After 9:00 PM recipient's local time
• No exceptions for telemarketing calls

Not honoring company-specific do-not-call request:

• If you tell company not to call again, they must add you to internal do-not-call list
• Must honor request for 5 years
• Calling again within 5 years is illegal

Failing to provide caller information:

• Must state name of caller and company within first 30 seconds
• Must provide callback number
• Caller ID must show real number (no spoofing)

Illegal Text Message Spam

Text messages are treated as calls under TCPA:

• Autodialed or pre-recorded text ads to cell phones = illegal without written consent
• Each text is separate violation worth $500-$1,500
• Must have prior express written consent
• Must provide opt-out method (reply STOP)
• Must honor opt-outs immediately

Common illegal text spam:

• "Congratulations! You've won..." (sweepstakes scams)
• "Lower your credit card rates..." (debt scams)
• "Free vacation to..." (timeshare scams)
• "Earn $5,000 per week from home..." (work-from-home scams)
• Any marketing text you didn't consent to receive

Caller ID Spoofing

Truth in Caller ID Act:

• Illegal to deliberately falsify caller ID information
• Intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain something of value
• Scammers spoof local numbers, government agencies, known companies

Common spoofing tactics:

• Showing your area code and prefix (looks like neighbor)
• Showing "IRS" or "SSA" on caller ID (government impersonation)
• Showing well-known company name (bank, utility company)
• Showing your own number calling you

What to do:

• Don't trust caller ID - can be faked
• Don't answer calls from unknown numbers
• Report spoofed calls to FCC
• Never provide personal information based on caller ID

Calls NOT Covered by Do Not Call Rules

Some calls are exempt from Do Not Call Registry restrictions but still must comply with other TCPA rules:

1. Political calls

• Calls from political candidates, campaigns, parties
• Can call even if you're on Do Not Call Registry
• Can use pre-recorded messages to landlines
• CANNOT use autodialers for pre-recorded messages to cell phones without consent
• Must still comply with time restrictions (8am-9pm)

2. Charitable organizations

• Calls from registered 501(c)(3) charities
• Can call Do Not Call Registry numbers
• Professional fundraisers calling on behalf of charity ARE covered by Do Not Call rules
• Must still comply with time restrictions and TCPA robocall rules

3. Surveys and polls

• Opinion polls and legitimate survey research
• Can call Do Not Call Registry numbers
• Must be genuine survey, not sales pitch
• If survey turns into sales pitch, becomes illegal telemarketing

4. Informational calls

• Purely informational calls (no sales component)
• Appointment reminders
• Delivery notifications
• School closings
• Emergency notifications

5. Existing business relationship

• Companies you've purchased from within last 18 months can call
• Companies you've inquired with within last 3 months can call
• Even if you're on Do Not Call Registry
• ENDS immediately if you ask them not to call
• Still cannot use robocalls to cell phones without written consent

Existing Business Relationship Explained

When it exists:

• You purchased something from company within last 18 months, OR
• You made inquiry or application within last 3 months
• Allows company to call for telemarketing despite Do Not Call registration

What counts as purchase:

• Bought product or service
• Signed up for membership or subscription
• Made financial transaction

What counts as inquiry:

• Requested information about product or service
• Filled out online form
• Submitted application (credit, insurance, etc.)
• Attended sales presentation

How to end existing business relationship:

• Tell company "Do not call me again" or "Add me to your do-not-call list"
• They must honor immediately
• Existing business relationship exception ends immediately when you opt out
• Must maintain your do-not-call request for 5 years

What Exemptions DON'T Mean

Exempt from Do Not Call ≠ Exempt from ALL rules:

Even exempt callers must still:

• Call only 8am-9pm recipient's time
• Identify themselves and provide callback number
• Maintain company do-not-call list (if you ask not to be called again)
• Generally cannot use robocalls to cell phones without written consent (major exception: political robocalls can go to landlines)
• Not spoof caller ID

Example: Political campaign can call your Do Not Call Registry number, BUT cannot robocall your cell phone without consent, and must call only 8am-9pm your time.

What Makes a Call a "Robocall"

A robocall is any call that uses:

• Pre-recorded message: Recorded voice (not live person speaking)
• Autodialer (ATDS): Equipment that automatically dials numbers
• Combination of both

Signs you're receiving a robocall:

• Pause after you answer before message starts
• Recorded voice message plays
• Message says "Press 1 to speak with representative"
• No one there when you answer, then call disconnects (autodialer testing if number is active)

Legal vs. Illegal Robocalls

Legal robocalls (with your written consent):

• Prescription ready notifications from your pharmacy
• Flight delay notifications from airline
• Appointment reminders from doctor (if you consented)
• Fraud alerts from your bank
• School closing notifications

Legal robocalls (to landlines, specific exemptions):

• Political campaign messages
• Charities you've donated to (limited exemption)
• Public service announcements

ILLEGAL robocalls (to cell phones without consent):

• "Your car warranty is about to expire"
• "Lower your credit card interest rate"
• "You've won a free cruise"
• "Your Social Security number has been suspended"
• "IRS is filing lawsuit against you"
• ANY telemarketing robocall to cell phone without your written permission

The Robocall Epidemic

Scale of the problem:

• Americans received estimated 50+ billion robocalls in 2024
• Average person receives 10-15 robocalls per month
• Majority are scams or illegal telemarketing
• Cost consumers billions in fraud losses

Why robocalls are so prevalent:

• Extremely cheap to make (fractions of a penny per call)
• Can make millions of calls per day
• Scammers operate from overseas (hard to prosecute)
• Use VoIP and caller ID spoofing (hard to trace)
• Even tiny success rate = profitable for scammers

Government response:

• FCC requires carriers implement STIR/SHAKEN call authentication
• Increased enforcement and penalties
• Coordination with international partners
• Encouragement of call-blocking technology
• Still a massive ongoing problem

Why You Shouldn't Answer Robocalls

Picking up teaches robocallers your number is active:

• Autodialers test numbers to see if someone answers
• Active numbers added to "sucker lists" sold to other scammers
• Answering = more calls in future

Pressing buttons makes it worse:

• "Press 1 to speak with representative" or "Press 2 to be removed"
• Both options confirm active number
• Pressing 2 rarely removes you - usually adds you to more lists
• DO NOT press any buttons

Best practice:

• Don't answer calls from unknown numbers
• Let go to voicemail
• If important, they'll leave message
• Block the number
• Report illegal robocalls to FTC/FCC

TCPA Protections for Text Messages

Text messages are treated the same as calls under TCPA:

Illegal without your written consent:

• Marketing or promotional texts
• Texts sent using autodialer
• Spam texts about products or services
• Texts from companies you didn't give consent to

Each illegal text = $500 to $1,500 penalty

• You can sue for every illegal text received
• 10 illegal texts = $5,000 to $15,000 potential recovery
• Makes text spam very expensive for violators

Common Text Spam Scams

Package delivery scams:

• "Your package couldn't be delivered. Click here to reschedule."
• Link goes to phishing site or installs malware
• Pretends to be from UPS, FedEx, USPS, Amazon

Bank/financial scams:

• "Suspicious activity on your account. Verify here."
• "Your account has been locked. Click to unlock."
• Link steals login credentials

Gift/prize scams:

• "You've won a $1000 Walmart gift card!"
• "Congratulations! Claim your free iPhone."
• Harvests personal information or charges "processing fees"

Job/income scams:

• "Earn $500/day working from home!"
• "You've been selected for interview. Apply here."
• Leads to fake job offers, identity theft, or pyramid schemes

Debt/tax scams:

• "Your student loan has been forgiven. Act now."
• "IRS: You owe back taxes. Pay immediately."
• Attempts to steal money or personal information

How to Handle Text Spam

DO:

• Delete immediately without clicking links
• Block the number
• Report to your carrier (forward to 7726 / SPAM)
• Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Save screenshots if you plan to sue

DO NOT:

• Click any links in spam texts
• Reply to spam texts (confirms active number)
• Call phone numbers in spam texts
• Download attachments
• Provide any personal information

Opt-out for legitimate marketing texts:

• Reply "STOP" to legitimate marketing texts you consented to
• Company must honor opt-out immediately
• Only works for legitimate senders (scammers ignore STOP)

Reporting Text Spam

To your carrier (all major carriers):

• Forward spam text to 7726 (spells "SPAM")
• Carrier may reply asking for sender's number
• Carrier investigates and may block sender
• Free service from all major U.S. carriers

To FTC:

• Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Include sender's number and text content
• FTC uses reports to identify patterns and bring enforcement actions

To FCC:

• File complaint at ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov
• Select "Phone" then "Unwanted Calls"
• Provide details of illegal text

When Telemarketers Can Call

Legal calling hours:

• Earliest: 8:00 AM recipient's local time
• Latest: 9:00 PM recipient's local time
• 7 days a week (no day-of-week restrictions)

Recipient's time zone controls:

• Based on where YOU are, not where caller is
• Caller responsible for knowing your time zone
• If they call at 7:00 AM your time, illegal even if 9:00 AM their time

No Exceptions for Time Restrictions

These time limits apply to:

• All telemarketing calls
• Debt collection calls
• Political calls
• Charity fundraising calls
• Survey calls (if telemarketing component)
• Calls to cell phones and landlines

No exceptions for:

• Different time zones
• Urgency of offer
• Holidays or weekends
• Existing business relationship

Only exception: Calls with your prior consent to call at different times (must be specific consent for off-hours calls)

Truth in Caller ID Act

Federal law prohibits caller ID spoofing with intent to defraud:

Required:

• Caller ID must display accurate information
• Must show real callback number
• Cannot deliberately falsify to deceive

Illegal spoofing:

• Displaying fake number to hide identity
• Showing government agency name/number when not government
• Displaying well-known company to deceive
• Showing local area code to increase answer rate
• Displaying your own number calling you

Penalties:

• Up to $10,000 per violation (FCC enforcement)
• Criminal penalties possible for serious cases

Recognizing Spoofed Calls

Warning signs:

• Number matches your area code and prefix exactly
• Caller ID shows government agency but call is asking for payment/personal info
• Caller ID shows major company but message seems off-brand
• Your own number appears as caller
• Number shows as local but caller has foreign accent or background noise

What to do:

• Don't trust caller ID
• Hang up and call official number if supposedly from company/government
• Never provide personal information based on caller ID
• Report spoofed calls to FCC
• Block the number (though scammers use new numbers constantly)

Step-by-Step: Stopping Telemarketing Calls

Step 1: Register on National Do Not Call Registry

• Go to DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222
• Register all your phone numbers
• Wait 31 days for registration to take effect

Step 2: Tell companies not to call

• When telemarketer calls, say "Add me to your do-not-call list"
• They must honor within 30 days and for 5 years
• Note date, time, company name, caller name

Step 3: Don't answer unknown numbers

• Let unknown calls go to voicemail
• Legitimate callers leave messages
• Reduces "active number" marking by autodialers

Step 4: Use call blocking

• Contact your phone carrier for call-blocking services
• Use smartphone built-in blocking features
• Install third-party call-blocking apps
• See Call Blocking Technology section below

Step 5: Block individual numbers

• Block robocallers and telemarketers on your phone
• Most smartphones have built-in blocking
• Won't stop scammers using multiple numbers but helps

Step 6: Report violations

• Report to FTC at DoNotCall.gov/report
• Report to FCC at ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov
• Helps enforcement even if individual call isn't prosecuted

Opting Out of Calls from Specific Companies

Company-specific do-not-call list:

Every telemarketer must maintain internal do-not-call list:

• When you ask not to be called, they must add you within 30 days
• Must honor for at least 5 years
• Applies even if you're not on National Do Not Call Registry
• Applies even if existing business relationship

How to opt out:

• Tell caller: "Put me on your do-not-call list" or "Do not call me again"
• Follow up in writing (email or letter) for documentation
• Note: Date, time, company name, person you spoke with
• If they call again, you have strong TCPA violation case

Written opt-out template:

Revoking Consent

If you previously gave consent to receive calls/texts but want to stop them:

You can revoke consent at any time:

• Tell company you revoke consent and don't want calls/texts
• Follow up in writing (email usually sufficient)
• They must stop immediately upon receiving revocation
• Cannot require you revoke in specific manner (unless you agreed to specific method)

Ways to revoke:

• Tell caller "I revoke consent to be contacted"
• Reply STOP to text messages
• Email customer service
• Update preferences on company website
• Send written letter

After revoking:

• Any further calls/texts without new consent violate TCPA
• You can sue for $500-$1,500 per violation
• Save evidence of revocation and subsequent calls

What You Can Recover

Statutory damages (you don't need to prove actual harm):

• $500 per violation: Each illegal call or text
• $1,500 per violation: If violation was willful/knowing
• No cap on number of violations
• Can add up quickly (10 illegal robocalls = $5,000 to $15,000)

What counts as separate violation:

• Each call = separate violation
• Each text = separate violation
• Each fax = separate violation
• 10 robocalls = 10 violations = $5,000 to $15,000 potential recovery

Actual damages:

• Can also recover actual damages if you have them
• Phone bill charges for unwanted texts
• Time wasted dealing with calls
• Usually statutory damages are more valuable

Common TCPA Violations

1. Robocalls to cell phones without consent

• Most common violation
• $500-$1,500 per call
• Easy to prove if you didn't give written consent

2. Calling Do Not Call Registry numbers

• After 31 days of registration
• Without existing business relationship
• $500-$1,500 per call (plus FTC penalties up to $46,517)

3. Calling after you said stop

• After you requested company-specific do-not-call
• After you revoked consent
• Usually considered willful violation = $1,500 per call

4. Calling outside permitted hours

• Before 8am or after 9pm your time
• $500-$1,500 per call

5. Text spam without consent

• Autodialed marketing texts to cell phones
• $500-$1,500 per text
• Can add up very quickly

6. Not providing opt-out mechanism

• Failing to honor STOP requests for texts
• Not maintaining company do-not-call list
• $500-$1,500 per violation

Proving Willful Violation (for $1,500 damages)

Willful means knowing or reckless violation:

Evidence of willfulness:

• You told them to stop calling and they continued
• You revoked consent in writing and they kept calling
• Your number on Do Not Call Registry and they knew it
• They called outside legal hours repeatedly
• Pattern of violations (not isolated mistake)
• Company has history of TCPA violations

Why willfulness matters:

• Trebles damages from $500 to $1,500 per call
• Shows company disregarded your rights
• Easier to prove than you might think
• Courts often find willfulness when company ignores opt-outs

Your Right to Sue Under TCPA

The TCPA provides "private right of action" - meaning YOU can sue violators directly:

Why this is powerful:

• Don't need government to enforce - you can enforce yourself
• Statutory damages don't require proving actual harm
• Can sue in small claims court (no attorney needed)
• Creates financial incentive for you to hold companies accountable
• Puts pressure on robocallers who face thousands of potential lawsuits

Before You Sue: Documentation

Critical: Keep detailed records

For each illegal call/text:

• Date and time: Exact date and time of call/text
• Phone number: Number that called/texted you (even if spoofed, record what showed)
• Content: What message said, what product/service offered
• Type: Pre-recorded message, autodialer, live person, text
• Company name: If identified (many robocallers don't identify themselves)

Evidence to save:

• Screenshots of call log showing number and time
• Screenshots of text messages
• Recordings if legal in your state (check state recording laws)
• Voicemails (save these - they're great evidence)
• Written log of each call with details

Additional documentation:

• Proof you're on Do Not Call Registry (verify at DoNotCall.gov)
• Evidence you told company not to call (emails, letters, notes from calls)
• Evidence you never gave consent (or revoked it)
• Company's privacy policy or terms (showing their calling practices)

Small Claims Court Option

Perfect for TCPA cases:

• Can sue for up to small claims limit ($2,500-$10,000 depending on state)
• No attorney required (represent yourself)
• Fast process (typically 30-90 days)
• Low filing fees (typically $30-$100)
• Informal procedures (don't need to know complex legal rules)

Calculating your claim:

• Count number of illegal calls/texts
• Multiply by $500 (or $1,500 if willful)
• If total exceeds small claims limit, can sue for maximum allowed
• Example: 10 calls × $1,500 = $15,000, but if small claims limit is $10,000, sue for $10,000

How to file:

1. Go to your local small claims court website or clerk's office
2. File complaint against robocaller (need company name and address)
3. Pay filing fee
4. Serve defendant (court provides instructions)
5. Attend hearing with your evidence
6. Present case to judge

Challenges in Suing Robocallers

Identifying the company:

• Many robocallers don't identify themselves
• Use spoofed numbers that aren't real
• Operate from overseas
• If you can't identify who's calling, hard to sue

Tips for identifying violators:

• If they offer product/service, Google the offer to find company
• Press buttons to reach representative and ask company name
• Check domain name if text includes website link (use WHOIS lookup)
• Request information and note who sends it
• Focus on legitimate companies that violate TCPA (easier to identify and collect from)

Getting paid if you win:

• Winning judgment is first step
• Still need to collect
• Easier with legitimate businesses (have assets, care about credit)
• Harder with fly-by-night operations
• May need to use collection methods (garnishment, liens)

Hiring an Attorney

When to consider attorney:

• Large number of violations (dozens or hundreds of calls)
• Claim exceeds small claims limit
• Company is fighting hard and you need legal expertise
• Class action potential (many people received same illegal calls)

Many TCPA attorneys work on contingency:

• Attorney gets percentage of recovery (typically 33-40%)
• You pay nothing unless you win
• Attorney handles all legal work
• Makes sense for large cases

Finding TCPA attorney:

• National Association of Consumer Advocates: NACA.net
• Search "TCPA attorney" + your state
• Many advertise "robocall lawyers" or "TCPA lawyers"
• Most offer free consultations

Why File Complaints

Even if you don't sue, file complaints:

• Helps enforcement agencies identify patterns
• Contributes to investigations of robocall operations
• Can lead to FTC/FCC enforcement actions
• May result in fines against violators
• Protects future consumers
• Takes only a few minutes

Where to File Complaints

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Website: DoNotCall.gov/report
• By phone: 1-888-382-1222 (from number receiving calls)
• Report Do Not Call Registry violations
• Report robocalls and telemarketing violations
• FTC uses complaints to bring enforcement actions

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

• Website: ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov
• Select "Phone" then "Unwanted Calls"
• Report robocalls, spoofing, TCPA violations
• FCC enforces TCPA and Truth in Caller ID Act

State Attorney General

• Find your state AG
• Many states have anti-robocall initiatives
• State laws may provide additional protections
• Some states actively prosecute robocallers

Your Phone Carrier

• Report to AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.
• Carriers work to block illegal robocall traffic
• May investigate and block numbers

Information to Include in Complaint

Essential information:

• Date and time of call
• Phone number that called you (from caller ID)
• Your phone number that was called
• Type of call (robocall, live person, text)
• What they were selling or what scam
• Company name if provided

Helpful additional details:

• Whether you're on Do Not Call Registry
• Whether you've asked them to stop calling before
• Frequency of calls from this number/company
• Any threats or abusive language
• If caller ID appeared spoofed

Carrier-Level Call Blocking

Major phone carriers offer robocall blocking services:

AT&T:

• AT&T Call Protect (free basic, premium paid version)
• Automatic fraud blocking
• Spam warning labels
• Reverse number lookup

Verizon:

• Call Filter (free basic, premium paid version)
• Spam detection and blocking
• Caller ID for unknown numbers
• Risk level indicators

T-Mobile:

• Scam Shield (free)
• Scam ID and Scam Block
• Enhanced Caller ID
• Number change for persistently targeted customers

How to activate:

• Check carrier's website or app
• Usually free basic version, paid premium upgrades
• May need to enable in settings
• Some activate automatically

Third-Party Call Blocking Apps

Popular apps:

RoboKiller:

• Blocks robocalls using audio fingerprinting
• "Answer bot" wastes scammers' time
• Subscription service ($3-4/month)
• Available iOS and Android

Nomorobo:

• Blocks robocalls and spam
• Crowdsourced robocall detection
• Free for landlines (VoIP), paid for mobile ($1.99/month)
• Available iOS and Android

Truecaller:

• Caller ID and spam blocking
• Identifies unknown numbers
• Free with ads, paid premium version
• Available iOS and Android

Hiya:

• Spam detection and blocking
• Caller ID
• Free basic, paid premium
• Available iOS and Android

Pros and cons of third-party apps:

• Pros: Often more aggressive blocking, detailed caller info, customizable
• Cons: Subscription costs, may have access to your call logs, occasional false positives

Built-In Phone Features

iPhone:

• Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers (silences calls from numbers not in contacts)
• Block individual numbers in recent calls or contacts
• Third-party apps can integrate with iPhone's call blocking

Android:

• Phone app → Settings → Blocked numbers
• Can block unknown/hidden numbers
• Google's built-in spam detection (on Pixel phones and some others)
• Screen calls with Google Assistant (Pixel phones)

Landline Call Blocking Devices

For traditional landlines:

CPR Call Blocker:

• Hardware device that connects to landline
• Block up to 2,000 numbers
• One-touch call blocking
• Pre-loaded robocall database
• One-time purchase ($60-100)

Sentry Dual Mode Call Blocker:

• Works with landline or cell phone
• Block up to 1,500 numbers
• Whitelist for allowed callers
• One-time purchase ($80-120)

Limitations of Call Blocking

Can't block everything:

• Scammers use new numbers constantly (number spoofing)
• Legitimate calls may occasionally be blocked (false positives)
• Some political/charity calls may get through (exempt from blocking)
• Sophisticated operations rotate through numbers

Best approach: Multiple layers

• Register on Do Not Call Registry
• Use carrier call blocking service
• Consider third-party app if calls persist
• Don't answer unknown numbers
• Block numbers individually as needed
• Report violations to FTC/FCC

Major Federal Enforcement Actions

FTC vs. Massive Robocall Operation (2024)

• Violations: 1 billion+ illegal robocalls, Do Not Call violations, spoofing
• Penalty: $300 million judgment (largest robocall case ever)
• Outcome: Operation shut down, leaders banned from telemarketing

FCC vs. Auto Warranty Robocallers (2024)

• Violations: Millions of "car warranty expiring" robocalls
• Penalty: $225 million proposed fine
• Outcome: Referral to Department of Justice for criminal prosecution

Multi-State AG Action vs. VoIP Provider (2024)

• Violations: Knowingly facilitating illegal robocall traffic
• Penalty: $75 million settlement, required to implement anti-robocall measures
• Outcome: Stricter verification of customers making high-volume calls

FTC vs. Student Loan Debt Relief Scam (2024)

• Violations: Illegal robocalls promising student loan forgiveness
• Penalty: $15 million, banned from debt relief services
• Outcome: Refunds to victims

Individual TCPA Lawsuit Wins

Consumers successfully suing robocallers:

• $229 million class action: Insurance company made 40+ million robocalls to cell phones without consent
• $40 million settlement: Bank robocalled customers about debt collection
• $32 million verdict: Timeshare company illegally robocalled consumers
• $18,000 small claims: Individual won against company that robocalled 12 times after being told to stop
• $12,000 small claims: Consumer recovered for 8 illegal text messages

These cases show TCPA enforcement works for individual consumers, not just government agencies.

Technology-Based Solutions

STIR/SHAKEN Implementation (2021-2025):

• FCC required carriers implement call authentication technology
• Verifies caller ID is not spoofed
• Helps block illegal robocalls at network level
• Results: Significant reduction in spoofed calls

Industry Traceback Group:

• Consortium of carriers working to trace robocall sources
• Identifies bad actors transmitting illegal calls
• Results in carriers cutting off robocall operations
• Provides evidence for enforcement actions

Ongoing Challenges

Why robocalls persist despite enforcement:

• International operations hard to prosecute
• Easy to set up new operations after shutdown
• Technology evolving faster than regulations
• Huge profit margins for scammers (only need tiny success rate)
• Difficulty identifying perpetrators

What's being done:

• International cooperation to shut down overseas operations
• Criminal prosecutions (not just civil penalties)
• Holding VoIP providers accountable for facilitating robocalls
• Technology solutions (call authentication, blocking)
• Empowering consumers to sue under TCPA