Multi-state coalition says stronger customer screening could help stop illegal calls before they reach consumers.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A coalition of all 50 state attorneys general is urging federal regulators to require phone companies to more thoroughly vet customers before allowing them to use their networks, arguing stronger safeguards could stop many illegal robocalls before they ever reach consumers.
The coalition, which includes Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission supporting stronger “Know Your Customer” requirements for voice service providers. The recommendations are part of the second phase of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force’s nationwide effort to reduce illegal robocalls.
The proposed rules would require providers to do more than simply verify a customer’s identity before granting access to their networks. The attorneys general are asking the FCC to require companies to understand the nature of a customer’s business, verify ownership and contact information, review business practices and intended use of phone services, and confirm compliance with state and federal law before calls are allowed onto the network.
The coalition also recommends applying those standards to providers of all sizes, arguing scammers often exploit smaller carriers as entry points into the nation’s communications network. It further supports additional scrutiny of higher-risk customers, such as businesses that place large volumes of calls or exhibit warning signs associated with illegal robocalling operations.
“Oklahomans are tired of picking up the phone to yet another scammer trying to steal their money or their identity,” Drummond said in a statement. “Phone companies are the gatekeepers of this network, and they have a responsibility to know who they’re letting through the door. Strengthening these rules means fewer of these calls ever reach our families and seniors in the first place.”
According to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, Americans received more than 29.6 billion scam robocalls and text messages last year and lost nearly $2 billion to related scams.
In their filing, the attorneys general argue customer verification should be an ongoing process rather than a one-time check. They recommend providers periodically reverify customer information and monitor for suspicious calling patterns that could indicate illegal activity. The coalition says stronger screening would make it more difficult for bad actors to gain access to the nation’s communications network while providing law enforcement with more accurate information when investigating scams.
The FCC has not yet acted on the proposed rule changes.
