PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, alongside a bipartisan coalition of 46 other attorneys general, has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enhance its Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) to prevent bad actors from exploiting the U.S. telephone network for illegal robocalls.
“Illegal robocalls aren’t just annoying—they’re a gateway for fraud and scams that impact millions of Americans every day,” Mayes said. “Strengthening the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database to require accurate data and enforce meaningful penalties will go a long way toward shutting down illegal robocalls and protecting consumers from fraud.”
Robocalls: A Persistent Threat
The RMD, launched in 2021, was designed to register voice service providers and block unauthorized robocalls. However, scammers have exploited loopholes in the system, submitting inaccurate or false data to gain access to the U.S. telephone network. The lack of stringent vetting and enforcement mechanisms has enabled bad actors to persistently bombard Americans with fraudulent robocalls and robotexts.
Proposed FCC Reforms
The coalition is calling on the FCC to strengthen its database by:
- Requiring Clear Guidelines: Providers must submit detailed and accurate information with strict deadlines.
- Validating Data: Ensure that information submitted by providers is vetted and flagged for inaccuracies.
- Enforcing Penalties: Prevent non-compliant providers from accessing the U.S. telephone network.
- Blocking Bad Actors: Remove access for providers that file false or incomplete data.
These reforms aim to make it more difficult for scammers to operate and protect Americans from illegal robocall traffic.
Attorney General Mayes’ Commitment
Mayes, a member of the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force, emphasized the need for aggressive enforcement actions against entities contributing to the growing problem of fraudulent robocalls. The task force has been investigating and penalizing companies responsible for significant illegal robocall traffic nationwide.
Nationwide Support
Mayes is joined by attorneys general from 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in advocating for these changes. The coalition includes leaders from states across the political spectrum, demonstrating a unified effort to address this pervasive issue.
The FCC’s decision on these recommendations could mark a turning point in the fight against robocalls, potentially reducing fraudulent activity and protecting millions of American consumers.
