Government and Industry
Anti-Robocall Initiatives
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If Industry or the government are proceeding too slowly for you, then YOU must protect YOURSELF.
Use a call blocking device, app or service. Search the web for "call blocker", or visit someplace like amazon.com's list of call blockers 
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Here is a link to "Robocalls", as explained by the FTC
A summary of what the FTC is doing about robocalls, and what YOU can do as well
Recent update ...govt forces "Rachel" to pay cardholders!
The government zaps Rachel
Another Action Targeting Robocalls from "Card Member Services"
Visit this FTC site for more information.
The FTC stated that phone companies can block robocalls, if they wish
FCC Strengthens Consumer Protections Against Unwanted Calls and Texts
The ROBOCOP Act, Introduced in House (04/13/2016)
Repeated Objectionable Bothering of Consumers on Phones Act or the ROBOCOP Act
This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, or (2) text messages.
Tech companies, including (among others), Alphabet [Google], Apple, AT&T, Comcast, Samsung, Microsoft, BlackBerry, LG, Qualcomm, Sirius XM, Verizon, Nokia, T-Mobile and Comcast are acting, as well! They formed a "Robocall Strike Force", and are meeting with the FCC. They will address spoofed phone calls, Do-Not-Call violations, phone scammers, and similar topics.
Perhaps most effective is YOUR use of a phone blocking app, service or device. Search the web for "call blocker", or visit someplace like Amazon.com's list of call blockers
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition on the provision of inaccurate caller identification information (which makes it unlawful to cause a caller identification service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value) to persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States.
Summary of the Act (2015-2016)
The first meeting was held a few days ago. Minutes / suggestions are supposed to be released in October. None as of 10/4/2016. However here is a little news from The Orange County Register, showing the depth of the problem and a working solution.
The strike force is due to report back to the Commission on Oct. 19 with concrete recommendations, possibly including a "Do Not Originate" list that would block calls from known scammers.
Industry leaders moved to form the Strike Force in response to a call to action by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler directing industry to develop an action plan to address consumer concerns with robocalls and deploy anti-robocall solutions within 60 days. The FCC hosted a meeting to kick off the Strike Force�s work on August 19, 2016. The Strike Force will report to the Commission on its proposed action plan at the October 26 meeting. Second Meeting of Industry-Led Robocall Strike Force
Results of latest meeting:
The FCC Chairman Isn't Happy With the Tech Industry's "Robocall Strike Force"
Robocall Strike Force Disbanded:
AT&T CEO Randall "Darth Randy" Stephenson was named the head of the FCC's Robocall Strike Force, which has been disbanded as each phone company works on its own solutions.
Problem handed off to the FCC. "Do Not Originate" list proposed. (Suggest you read what this is supposed to do)
FCC Discusses Unlawful Automated Calls in TCPA Webinar for Consumers
The session also included discussion of technological developments the FCC is using to stop the illegal calls.
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, and (2) text messages.
Summary of the Act (2017-2018)
FCC May Allow Carriers to Block Robocalls From Spoofed Numbers
This topic is on the March 23, 2017 FCC Open Meeting schedule.
Minutes of the the March 23, 2017 FCC Open Meeting.
The FCC considered several topics at that meeting. Here is a page that summarizes their
"Robocall Blocking NPRM and NOI"
Basically, the page states "The Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Notice of Inquiry (NOI) that would enable voice service providers to better protect subscribers from illegal robocalls". Links are provided to the NOI and various statements by various Commissioners. Lots of legalisms and "clarifications". Unfortunately, I saw no real answers as yet.
This section is intended to show anti-spam / anti-robocall implementations by the major carriers. Click the appropriate link to learn more. (You might need to scroll this window down to see more)
T-Mobile announces Scam ID and Scam Block
AT&T Says It Has Blocked One Billion Robocalls In 5 Months
Comcast / Xfinity offer Nomorobo robocall blocking
MetroPCS Rolls Out Scam ID & Scam Block
Verizon offers free Spam Block (Only to postpaid customers, so far)
Consumer Reports table of phone companies offering robocall protection (Includes both landline and cellular. This might not be frequently updated)
TEXT STUFF HERE
TEXT STUFF HERE