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FCC May Permit Robocalls To Cell Phones -- If They Are Calling a Wrong Number
An anonymous reader writes There have been plenty of false rumors about cell phones being
opened up to telemarketers, but now the FCC is actually
considering it. From the article: "Consumers have long had the support of government to try to
control these calls, chiefly through the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act, which actually allows consumers to file lawsuits and collect penalties
from companies that pepper them with robocalls or text messages
they didn't agree to receive. But now the Federal Communications Commission is considering
relaxing a key rule and allowing businesses to call or text your
cellphones without authorization if they say they called a wrong
number. The banking industry and collections industry are pushing
for the change." In one
case recently, AT&T called one person 53 times after he
told them they had a wrong number...and ended up paying $45 million
to settle the case. Around 40 million phone numbers are "recycled" each year in the
U.S. Twice, I've had to dump a number and get a new one because
I was getting so many debt collection calls looking for someone
else. Apparently the FCC commissioners may not be aware of the
magnitude of the "wrong number" debt collection calls and aren't
aware that lots of people still have per-minute phone plans.
Anyone can file
comments on this proposal with the FCC.
I have no issue with them being able to call me without legal repercussions... once. After that, it's their job to update their robocall lists. I've informed them that they no longer have the correct number. Any further "mistakes" should be fully punishable.
I don't answer calls from numbers I don't recognize anyway, and I recommend everyone else do the same.
Are YOU using the TOOL, or is the TOOL using YOU? Think about it!
I mean, in Europe you don't pay if someone else calls you. So there is a common trick if some salesperson calls you "oh, one moment please", put the phone somewhere and check 30 minutes later if they are still on the line (usually not). Costs them money and time, not you.
And on mobile phones you have programs to block numbers from phoning and smsing. Much easier than regulations.
Unfortunately, that doesn't hamper telemarketers outside North America who spoof numbers. One number gets nailed, they spoof another one. The telcos could fix this if they really wanted to, but they make money off it.
"Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
You think *they* pay for their air time? *LOL*
I do not fail; I succeed at finding out what does not work.
Year works a treat until its the hospital / police / significant other who lost her phone is stuck and using a borrowed phone because of it. My wife thinks like you do. It was very strange calling the neighbour and having them walk over to our house to tell my wife to answer the phone because I needed her help.