Trump signs law to reduce robocalls, though they won't end (AP)

[dalton99a]

https://hosted.ap.org/article/59510a5e48695f65ce2b897996227501/trump-signs-law-reduce-robocalls-though-they-wont-end

Dec. 31, 2019 12:53 AM EST
Trump signs law to reduce robocalls, though they won't end
By TALI ARBEL

...

The new law builds on steps taken by the country's communications regulator, the Federal Communications Commission, as well as state attorneys general and industry groups.

The FCC has clarified that phone companies can block unwanted calls without first asking customers, paving the way to broaden the rollout of call-blocking services. The law says phone companies cannot charge for these services.

Another important step is getting rid of “spoofed” numbers, or when a scammer fakes Caller ID to look like it's coming from the same area code or an important government agency like the IRS. The industry is developing a system to tell people when the Caller ID number is real.

The new law requires all phone companies to put this system in place, which Mahoney said will mean phone companies have to try to stop these calls before they reach the consumer. This technology doesn't work for home phones connected to an old-school copper landline; the law calls on the FCC and phone companies to come up with an alternative for those customers.

The FCC also gets more time to fine robocallers and do so without warning them first. The bill also calls for tougher fines when individuals intentionally violate the law and pushes the agency to work with the Justice Department to go after criminals. Over the long term, that could act as a deterrent.

[RestoreAmerica2020]

1. Well, Americans can be proactive and stop them all together..turn off phone messaging; just hang up!

[Journeyman]

2. Good. I hope this is successful. . . .

[True Blue American]

3. My new phones let me know they are robot

And I can block them by simply pressing block.

Unless there is a name at the top I just block them. Really cuts down on the calls. Changing them does not work now.

[Journeyman]

4. Mine allows that as well. Unfortunately, my phone is also my business line . . .

so even when I'm reasonably certain it's a robo call I have to answer it as I get the occasional unexpected job come in from numbers I've never seen before and connections I'm almost certain will prove bogus. Most frustrating.

[True Blue American]

5. Mine is personal

The number comes up on my TV screen,( Spectrum,) and on my phone. I am asked if I want to block it, usually all numbers, no name. It has cut down so much instead of 10, 15 a day I get one or two.