Americans continue to be inundated with billions of illegal robocalls annually, despite increased regulations and call-blocking technologies. These automated scam calls cost consumers billions each year, with individuals losing hundreds of dollars on average. While the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) allows individuals to sue offending companies, the practicalities often make this difficult.
Key Takeaways
- Robocall scams cost Americans approximately $25 billion in 2023, with an average loss of $452 per victim.
- A robocall blocking service, Nomorobo, is taking a novel approach by suing debt collection companies for alleged TCPA violations.
- Artificial intelligence is being leveraged by tech giants to combat increasingly sophisticated robocalls.
- Consumers are advised to remain cautious, avoid answering unknown numbers, and never share personal information in response to unsolicited calls.
A New Legal Front Against Robocalls
Nomorobo, a service dedicated to blocking unwanted calls, has initiated lawsuits against four debt collection companies. The company alleges these firms are significant violators of the TCPA. Nomorobo utilizes a "honeypot" system, employing nearly 300,000 phone numbers inactive for a decade. Any calls or texts to these numbers are automatically flagged as unwanted and potential TCPA violations. Nomorobo is seeking substantial damages, up to $1,500 per call for willful violations.
The legal strategy hinges on whether Nomorobo can prove it has legal standing to sue, specifically if the company was harmed by receiving these calls. Nomorobo’s lawyer argues that the TCPA clearly states these calls are detrimental and that "anyone can sue." While Nomorobo’s business model involves receiving calls, they contend they are not actively soliciting violations but are harmed by the sheer volume of illegal calls, which incur costs from their phone provider.
AI’s Role in Combating Scams
The sophistication of robocall scams is escalating, with artificial intelligence enabling criminals to create highly realistic fake voices for bogus calls. In response, major technology companies like Google and Apple are beginning to employ AI to enhance their filters and prevent these calls from reaching consumers. While this technological advancement is promising, experts emphasize that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to combat these persistent and evolving threats.
Protecting Yourself from Robocalls
While many robocalls are legitimate (e.g., appointment reminders, weather alerts), consumers must remain vigilant against scams. Key protective measures include:
- Be Skeptical of Caller ID: Scammers use "spoofing" to display false numbers, including local ones. Government agencies like the Social Security Administration, Medicare, and the IRS will not call you unexpectedly.
- Don’t Answer Unknown Calls: Let calls from unrecognized numbers go to voicemail. If a message claims to be from a trusted company, do not call back the number provided. Instead, find a verified number from the company’s official website or a billing statement.
- Guard Personal Information: Never share sensitive data such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords in response to unsolicited calls.
- Refuse Unusual Payment Demands: Legitimate organizations will not demand payment via cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer apps, or gift cards.
- Utilize Blocking Tools: Many phone carriers offer apps or services to block unwanted calls. The FCC also provides resources for call blocking.
- Seek Assistance: If unsure about a call, contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for guidance.
Sources
Founder Dinis Guarda
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