Tennessee AG Leads 46 States in Call to Strengthen FCC Robocall Mitigation Database

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and 46 other state attorneys general urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update its Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD). This update aims to close a loophole that allows scammers to access the U.S. telephone network.

Attorney General Skrmetti stated, “Everyone hates robocalls. Bad actors use advanced technology to trick consumers and steal their money.” He emphasized Tennessee’s commitment to protecting consumers from these scams and supporting policies that enhance consumer safety.

The coalition’s proposals include clear guidelines for telecom providers. They want the FCC to:
– Specify the information telecom providers must submit.
– Set deadlines for these submissions.
– Verify the accuracy of submitted data to flag incorrect or misleading information.
– Penalize providers that offer false or inadequate information, including preventing them from operating or blocking non-compliant providers.

How can consumers protect themselves from illegal robocalls while waiting for regulatory changes?

Interview with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti on Robocall Mitigation Efforts

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Attorney General Skrmetti. Recently, you and 46 other state attorneys general urged the FCC to update its Robocall Mitigation Database. What prompted this initiative?

Skrmetti: Thank you for having me. The rise in robocalls has become a persistent problem for consumers across the country. Scammers leverage advanced technology to deceive individuals, often resulting in significant financial losses. By collaborating with other state attorneys general, we hope to strengthen consumer protections and close the loopholes that currently allow these bad actors to access our phone networks.

Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the specific changes you are proposing to the FCC?

Skrmetti: Absolutely. We are advocating for a number of key updates to the Robocall Mitigation Database. First, we want the FCC to specify exactly what information telecom providers must submit to ensure clarity and consistency. Additionally, we are calling for set deadlines for these submissions. Verification of the accuracy of this data is crucial; we want to flag any incorrect or misleading information. we believe that the FCC should have the authority to penalize providers who submit false or inadequate information, potentially barring them from operating if they do not comply.

Interviewer: How do you believe these changes will impact the prevalence of illegal robocalls?

Skrmetti: By implementing these recommendations, we can significantly hinder scammers’ ability to exploit the U.S. telephone network. With stricter regulations in place, telecom providers will be held accountable for the information they provide, and inaccurate data will be easier to flag and correct. This transparency is vital in reducing the number of illegal robocalls and protecting consumers from fraud.

Interviewer: Your office is part of the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force. Can you share some of the actions you’ve taken against entities responsible for illegal robocall traffic?

Skrmetti: Certainly. Since the formation of the task force, we have been actively investigating various entities engaging in illegal robocalling practices. Our office has taken legal action against several actors responsible for generating significant robocall traffic, employing both state and federal laws to pursue justice. Our goal is to send a clear message that there will be consequences for those who engage in these deceptive practices.

Interviewer: Given the widespread issue of robocalls, do you believe there is growing bipartisan support for combating this problem?

Skrmetti: Yes, I do. The issue of robocalls affects consumers from all backgrounds and political affiliations. This widespread impact has led to a collaborative effort among state attorneys general across the country, as seen in our joint letter to the FCC. By coming together, we can present a united front and advocate for meaningful changes that protect consumers.

Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Attorney General Skrmetti. It’s clear that much work lies ahead to combat robocalls effectively, and we appreciate your efforts in this essential fight.

Skrmetti: Thank you for having me. Together, we can help safeguard consumers from this pervasive issue.

These changes would make it more difficult for scammers to access the U.S. phone system and reduce the number of illegal robocalls.

Attorney General Skrmetti is part of the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force. His office actively investigates and takes legal action against entities that create significant illegal robocall traffic in the U.S.

The following states and the District of Columbia joined Tennessee in this call: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.