South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is joining attorneys general from across the country in calling for tougher federal action against scam robocalls and fraudulent text messages.
Jackley and attorneys general from all 50 states and U.S. territories are urging the Federal Communications Commission to expand so-called “Know Your Customer” requirements for telecommunications providers. The rules are designed to help phone companies verify who is using their networks and identify customers involved in illegal activity.
The coalition says Americans received more than 29 billion scam robocalls and text messages last year, resulting in nearly two billion dollars in losses.
The attorneys general are asking the FCC to require more thorough reviews of customers, including checks on business reputation, compliance history, intended use of services, and adherence to state and federal laws. They are also seeking stronger oversight of high-volume callers and tougher standards for all voice service providers, regardless of size.
The request is part of Phase Two of Operation Robocall Roundup, a nationwide effort targeting companies accused of allowing illegal robocalls onto the nation’s phone networks.
Officials say the goal is to better protect consumers from increasingly sophisticated scams and reduce the number of fraudulent calls and messages reaching Americans every day.
