The War Against Robocalls

In the ever-evolving war against robocalls, U.S. consumers find themselves inundated with billions of these unsolicited calls each month. According to a recent press release by YouMail, a robocall blocking app and call protection service, October saw over 4.6 billion robocalls, marking a nearly 8% increase from September. Let’s look closer at the war against robocalls.

This uptick to an average of 148.7 million robocalls per day, or 1,721 per second, is a concerning rise as we head into the holiday season. The fluctuation in robocall volumes, oscillating between 4.5 and 5 billion calls per month, suggests an ongoing battle with no permanent victory in sight.

YouMail’s CEO, Alex Quilici, noted the surprise in October’s increase following a significant drop in telemarketing calls the previous month, indicating the need to monitor these trends closely. “We need to follow the trendlines to determine if call volumes will continue to fluctuate, or whether we have reached a period of steadily growing illegal calls as we enter the holiday season,” said Quilici.

Trends in Unwanted Call Volume and Composition

The American public found themselves on the receiving end of billions of unwanted calls during the month of October, yet the composition of these intrusive calls has significantly shifted. There was a considerable downturn in scam-related calls, which plummeted by almost half.

This remarkable decrease can be largely attributed to two factors: a noticeable decline in the volume of fraudulent search engine listing scams, and a reduction in calls offering the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) related to COVID tax credits. The latter saw a downturn following the IRS’s decision to impose a moratorium on the acceptance of new claims, which effectively curbed the related phone scams.

In a contrasting trend, there was a marked escalation in telemarketing call volume, with a 28% surge that paints a concerning picture. A significant portion of this increase stemmed from a spike in calls promoting Medicare services, health insurance packages, and a variety of debt relief programs. While these calls may present themselves under the guise of legitimacy, there is an alarming pattern that emerges upon closer inspection. Investigations into these calls frequently result in a reclassification, shifting what are initially perceived as genuine telemarketing efforts into the category of illicit or fraudulent schemes.

This upswing in deceptive telemarketing calls is particularly disquieting because it suggests a growing sophistication among those aiming to exploit consumers. These entities often craft their calls to closely mimic legitimate business outreach, leveraging the trust and needs of consumers to ensnare them into scams. This trend highlights a significant challenge for regulatory bodies and consumer protection agencies, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring, stringent verification processes, and public awareness campaigns. It also underscores the need for consumers to approach unsolicited calls with heightened scrutiny and for authorities to advance enforcement actions to dismantle these deceptive operations.

Enhanced Consumer Protection Through STIR/SHAKEN Protocols

The advancement and integration of the STIR/SHAKEN standards represent a major stride forward in the ongoing battle to safeguard consumers from the pervasive threat of caller ID spoofing.

In the war against robocalls, these robust protocols serve as a technological bastion, verifying the legitimacy of incoming calls and significantly diminishing the deluge of robocalls that prey on unsuspecting individuals through falsified caller information. Since their introduction, there’s been a commendable contraction in the deluge of fraudulent calls, signaling a win for consumer protection.

However, as these defenses have risen, so have the tactics of scammers, evolving to circumvent new barriers. We now observe a surge in robocalls that craftily camouflage themselves as legitimate telemarketing inquiries. This subterfuge necessitates an even more screened approach from consumers and underscores the need for continuous enhancement of call-screening tools to keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated methods of deception.

Robocalls Targeted with Preference in October 2023

The patterns discerned in the proliferation of robocalls during October 2023, while reflective of previous trends, carry an essential reminder: consumer vigilance must remain steadfast. The YouMail data shows that areas traditionally targeted by high volumes of robocalls continue to be favored by scammers, signaling that these regions may be perceived as particularly lucrative or vulnerable. It underscores the critical need for consumers in these areas to remain particularly alert and for service providers to bolster protective measures.

This enduring geographic preference also reveals the complex and adaptive nature of robocall strategies, affirming that the measures to protect consumers need to be just as dynamic and multifaceted. Although STIR/SHAKEN has made a substantial impact on reducing the effectiveness of spoofed calls, the battle is not over. Continuous improvement in our defenses, coupled with ongoing education on recognizing and reporting suspicious calls, is vital to ensure that the shield around consumer privacy and peace of mind remains impenetrable.

How You Can Help Stop Robocalls

Your role in combating the tide of robocalls is critical. By remaining vigilant and proactive, you can contribute significantly to the efforts against this pervasive issue. When you receive an unsolicited call, take a moment to capture key information—note the date, time, the number that called you, and any information the caller provides, such as the company name or the offer they make. Be cautious not to engage or provide personal information, as this can lead to more unwanted calls or potential fraud.

After documenting this information, report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to gather data, identify patterns, and enforce regulations that can lead to action against these callers. Your report not only contributes to the pool of information that helps track down and stop robocallers, but also aids in refining the call-blocking technologies that protect all consumers. By taking these steps, you are not just protecting yourself, but you are also playing a part in the larger fight to uphold privacy and prevent fraud within the telecommunications system.

Final Thoughts on Robocalls

The data provided by YouMail not only highlights the persistence of robocalls but also the subtle shifts in their nature. As the fight against these calls continues, it is important for consumers to remain aware of phone scams and for service providers to enhance their protective measures.

With technological advancements like STIR/SHAKEN, there is progress on the frontline, but the war against robocalls is far from over. As we approach the end of the year, the need for continued monitoring and adaptation in strategies against these unwanted calls is more important than ever.

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Led by attorneys J. Andrew Meyer and Michael D. Finn with over 75 years of combined legal experience. The Finn Law Group is a consumer protection firm that specializes in Timeshare Law. For more information about the Finn Law Group, visit their website at finnlawgroup.com. If you believe you have been a victim of timeshare fraud or deceptive telemarketing practices, we provide free consultations to evaluate your case. Contact us at (727) 214-0700

Disclaimer: The Finn Law Group is not affiliated with YouMail or the Federal Trade Commission, and this article is not sponsored or endorsed by either organization. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Follow us on Twitter for more on the subject of #Robocalls