New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside 27 other state attorneys general, has joined a bipartisan effort to support new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules aimed at reducing robocalls and preventing phone scams.
The coalition is backing an FCC rule that requires companies to get clear permission before collecting and sharing consumer phone numbers. This measure targets lead generators—businesses that gather personal contact details—preventing them from passing phone numbers to telemarketers without explicit consent.
Fighting Back Against Robocall Scams
Robocalls aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous. In 2023, Americans lost over $1.2 billion to scams involving robocalls and fraudulent text messages, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
“New Yorkers and consumers across the country are fed up with robocalls,” said Attorney General James. “These calls don’t just disrupt people’s lives—they’re a tool for scammers who steal millions every year. Strengthening consumer protections is long overdue.”
How the New FCC Rule Works
Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the FCC’s new rule ensures that companies can’t collect or share phone numbers without clear consent.
- Stronger Privacy Protections: Companies must notify consumers upfront if their phone numbers will be shared.
- Blocking Fraudulent Calls: Telemarketers can no longer rely on vague permissions buried in fine print.
- Reducing Unwanted Calls: The rule removes a key loophole scammers exploit to access phone numbers.
By supporting this rule, attorneys general aim to cut off robocallers’ access to potential victims—an essential step in reducing fraud and restoring privacy.
The Push for Stronger Consumer Protections
This initiative is part of a larger effort to protect consumers from fraudulent marketing tactics. Several states have already implemented their own anti-robocall laws, but a unified federal approach is necessary to make a lasting impact.
If the FCC rule is adopted, it could significantly cut down on scam calls, giving people greater control over their personal information and making communication channels safer for everyone.
