The Federal Communications Commission Helps Consumers Avoid Scam Calls
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 20, 2019
You know those robocalls from scammers that you keep getting on your phones? We get them at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), too.
Scammers use a technique known as spoofing to mask their caller ID on your phone and disguise their identities to steal valuable personal information, including your bank account passwords and Social Security number. In one recent case, the toll-free number of the FCC’s Consumer Center was used to disguise the actual incoming call number.
We’ve alerted the public to the problem and have taken measures to prevent this from happening again. We’re aware that the same thing happens with Social Security’s phone number. Some callers may pressure you for personal information or immediate payment; others offer deals that seem too good to be true. The number of calls is daunting, but we are taking action to turn the tide against spoofed robocalls.
The first line of defense is consumer awareness. The FCC provides guidance about spoofing scams and robocalls, including consumer resources for call-blocking apps and other services. We also post timely articles on the FCC Consumer Help Center website to alert you to the latest scams and amplify consumer warnings from Social Security and other government agencies. Consumers can keep track of these alerts by following @FCC on Twitter.
We recommend the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of a call scam:
- Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
- If the caller is not who you were expecting, hang up immediately.
- Never give out personal information such as account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, or other identifying information if a call seems suspicious.
In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively block by default unwanted and illegal robocalls before they reach consumers.
It’s all about safeguarding the American public. We’ll continue to partner with Social Security, the Federal Trade Commission, and other federal agencies to get the job done.
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About the Author
Patrick Webre, Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
Comments
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JL
Mr. Webre,
There is a partial paragraph that leaves the reader hanging. What is the FCC done to enable phone companies to do?
I.e. “In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively”. The extract from your ariticle has no ending.
Thank you
cj
“In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively block by default unwanted and illegal robocalls before they reach consumers.”
Sally T.
Just got a call a few days ago, I didn’t answer & it went to voicemail, the message stated my ssa # has been compromised, and I should call, they are now on my blocked call list!
Richard H.
Just recently got a call telling me my Social Security account was suspended because of suspicious activities . The person on the phone had a very thick Accent probably from India! I knew that this was a scam, but I wonder how many people fall for this stuff.
VICTORIA F.
Hoy junio 21 resibi una llamada diciéndome que mi número seguro social lo habían suspendido por que avia algo sospechoso pero como no conteste la llamada me dejaron ese mensaje .
brad
Please finish this thought on your page…
In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively [WHAT?]
Susan
“In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively block by default unwanted and illegal robocalls before they reach consumers.”
Judy
In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively—Not complete thought!
Jack
Calls certainly have stepped up, SS , IRS, to name a few. The do not call list is useless.
Lately I’ve gotten calls from Zimbabawe, Moldave, Russia. I did not answer but it’s worrisome.
carol
latest scam is…your social security number has been suspended coming from a local area code plus only 6 numbers.
Linda B.
I got the same call today saying my SSN had been compromised and the DEA were investigating me I said send’me on.
Thomas C.
Please use whatever means necessary to ban robocalls and provide the ability to block any unrequested advertising. The land line and cellular phones are vital forms of communication for many citizens and especially Seniors. Medical appointment reminder calls often come in with unexpected phone numbers.
Kathleen J.
received call threatening there was an arrest warrant out for me from social security investigation
Michael M.
Try editing your Website email: Your words: “In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively”
What does that mean? No punctuation, lack of sentence structure. This is our SS administration? Sad.
It’s all about safeguarding the American public. We’ll continue to partner with Social Security, the Federal Trade Commission, and other federal agencies to get the job done.