MEDIA & ADVERTISING »» INVASIVE ADVERTISING »» ROBOCALLS »» Feb 08, 2021

A robocall is a phone call that uses a computerized autodialer to deliver a pre-recorded message - often from political entities and telemarketers. Robocalls are also used for public-service or emergency announcements. Still, nearly half of all calls received by Americans today are unwanted and unsolicited spam calls. Illegal robocalls have spiked in recent years as scammers employ newer and cheaper ways to reach consumers and search for sensitive personal information. These scammers, often located in foreign countries, often target Social Security numbers and credit card information. In 2019, Americans received nearly 59 billion robocalls, an increase of 22% from the 48 billion received the previous year. Advocates say the FCC's ability to enforce robocall laws depends on people's complaints about specific calls. The agency received 232,000 of these complaints in 2018. Pending Legislation: H.R.2298 - Repeated Objectionable Bothering Of Consumers On Phones Act Sponsor: Rep. Jackie Speier (CA) Status: House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology (Energy and Commerce) Chair: Rep. Michael Doyle (PA)