Is that really the IRS calling? Robocall protections take aim at spoofed numbers

"The FCC is done asking nicely or urging or begging phone companies to fight robocall."

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CBS News | TPIN
Henry Hintermeister

Robocalls: They’ve become so rampant that many of us no longer pick up the phone for numbers we don’t recognize — but until now scammers have been able to trick consumers by disguising their numbers to pose as trusted callers.

Here’s the good news: As of June 30, spoofing phone numbers has become much harder, thanks to new rules from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Most phone providers are now required to arm their customers with Caller ID verification to confirm whether calls on their network are actually coming from the number on display. Non-VoIP phone lines have received a grace period, but will have to comply by June 30, 2022.

“No more Mr. Nice Guy. The FCC is done asking nicely or urging or begging phone companies to fight robocalls. It’s the law now,” said PIRG Consumer Watchdog Teresa Murray.

Robocalls cost Americans an estimated $10 billion a year in fraud.

Read more.

Photo: June 30: PIRG Consumer Watchdog Teresa Murray discusses the FCC’s robocall rule on CBS News. Credit: CBS News. 

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Henry Hintermeister