Action Center: Combating Illegal Robocalls

USTelecom is Leading the Charge

Illegal and unwanted robocalls continue to harm and hassle people every day. Consumer fraud often originates with an illegal call, and robocalls regularly interrupt our daily lives. Robocalls and telemarketing calls are the number one source of consumer complaints at many state Attorneys General offices, as well as at both the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.

Illegal robocalls are increasingly difficult to combat because mass-calling technology can make thousands (even millions) of calls and bad actors can rapidly change tactics to avoid detection. USTelecom is working with government and industry to advocate for aggressive civil and criminal enforcement and provide call-blocking tools to put consumers back in the driver’s seat.

State Attorneys General and voice service providers led by USTelecom are teaming up to combat this pervasive problem.

Anti-Robocall Principles

Stopping Illegal Robocalls Where They Start

USTelecom leads the Industry Traceback Group (ITG), a collaborative effort of companies from across the wireline, wireless, VoIP and cable industries that actively trace and identify the source of illegal robocalls. The ITG coordinates with voice service providers at all levels within the call path seeking to identify the source of and eliminate illegal robocall traffic. The ITG also coordinates with federal and state law enforcement agencies to identify non-cooperative providers so they can take enforcement action, as appropriate.

Together we are bringing criminals to justice. Learn more by visiting the ITG website or download the one-pager outlining the traceback efforts.

Safety on the Line; Additional Consumer Resources

As industry innovators and government are joining forces, our civil and criminal enforcement apparatus is ramping up, and meaningful progress is being made against robocallers. View and share our materials below.

• USTelecom Leading the Charge
• Protecting Yourself from Illegal Robocalls
• Protecting Yourself from Spoofing
• Protecting America’s Senior Citizens
• Not All Robocalls are Illegal

There is an acute need for coordinated, targeted, and aggressive criminal enforcement against illegal robocallers.” Jonathan Spalter