DAYTON, Ohio – The top law enforcement officers in more than 40 states are ready to go to war against automatic robocalling and caller ID “spoofing,” a practice that disguises the origin of incoming phone calls.
More than 40 state attorneys general are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to beef up rules against those practices. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is joining them.
Recognize scams
1. If you’re contacted with a surprise offer for “free” money or “fast” cash, there’s a good chance that you’ve been targeted by a scam artist. 2. If you’re told you “must” act quickly or in a very short time, be wary. Legitimate financial transactions take time, and they should be well understood. 3. Another red flag may be the best: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Use your common sense, and keep that wallet closed. Source: AARP Foundation
New rules proposed in February would expand existing rules on spoofed caller ID calls to cover companies outside the United States calling American citizens. The proposal would also expand the type of services that existing rules cover.
The FCC has weighed measures to address the problem for years, yet the technique has not only persisted, it has grown.