Robocalls: A Digital Chorus Out of Tune

The constant buzz of a robocall, the monotonous speech, and the resulting annoyance have become part of our daily lives. These unwanted intrusions invade our phones and disrupt our peace. But don't let their persistent presence fool you — they're more than just irritating.

Operating like hidden predators, they use deceptive tactics to weave scams that can trick the unsuspecting. It's time to shine a light on these unwelcome guests and arm ourselves with the knowledge to silence their disruptive calls.

A Persistent Plague

Robocalls — automated calls with prerecorded messages — can be legitimate (appointment reminders), but the vast majority are unwanted spam, peddling shady products or schemes. Spoofed numbers make them hard to identify, creating a barrage of unwanted noise.

According to YouMail Robocall Index, in 2023, Americans received a staggering 55 billion robocalls, posing serious threats:

• Privacy Risk: They harvest personal data, putting our privacy at risk.
• Financial Fallout: Deceptive scams trick people into revealing sensitive information or sending money, leading to financial losses and identity theft.
• Mental Mayhem: The constant bombardment can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, especially for vulnerable individuals.

'Grandparent Scam': A Case in Point

Scammers exploit emotions, using the "grandparent scam" to mimic distressed grandchildren in need of immediate financial assistance. Panicked relatives often fall victim, highlighting the importance of:

• Verifying: Always verify the story directly with the grandchild or another family member.
• Not Rushing: Legitimate emergencies rarely require immediate financial assistance via wire transfer or gift cards.
• Reporting: Report the incident to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and your local authorities. The FCC has taken a major step in combating phone scams by banning robocalls that use voices generated by artificial intelligence (AI) voice-cloning tools. This new ruling strengthens the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), a 1991 law designed to limit unwanted calls, by specifically addressing the growing threat of deceptive AI-generated voices used in scam robocalls.  

Silencing the Spam

While eliminating robocalls isn't possible, we can significantly reduce their impact:

• Do Not Call List: Register your phone number. While not foolproof, it helps.
• Call-Blocking Tools: Many carriers and apps offer features to identify and filter spam calls. 
• Report Robocalls: Reporting empowers the FCC to track down and prosecute robocallers. Violating the ban carries hefty consequences, with fines per call reaching up to $23,000.
• Personal Data Caution: Be vigilant about sharing your phone number online or with unknown individuals.
• Call-Screening Devices: Consider investing in a device that identifies and blocks robocalls before they reach you.

Beyond Blocking: A Collective Chorus

Individual action is crucial, but a multipronged approach is needed:

• The FCC: Enact stricter penalties, implement effective regulations. Recent rulings strengthened the TCPA, but stronger penalties and regulation with grit are needed. Think multimillion-dollar fines and swift shutdowns for repeat offenders.
• Technology Companies: Develop sophisticated call-blocking technologies and AI-powered solutions. Filter out scam calls before they reach our ears.
• Public Awareness: Educate the public about common scams and empower them to report and combat these threats.

By working together, we can turn down the volume on the robocall symphony and reclaim our phones, and our peace of mind, from these digital intruders. Remember, knowledge is power. Let's create a chorus of collective action that drowns out the unwanted noise and ensures our phones ring with the voices we truly want to hear. Together, let's silence the spam and reclaim our digital well-being.

Jodi Pierce is an MBA graduate from North Greenville University. She serves as a Director of Media Buying at PC Matic, a cybersecurity solutions provider. Ms. Pierce drives growth with innovative marketing strategies. Passionate about education and philanthropy, Jodi inspires through leadership and commitment to excellence, bolstering the cause of safeguarding digital landscapes. Read more of her reports - here.