According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), robocalls have been the number one consumer complaint for several years, with over 5.6 million complaints filed in 2020 alone. The FTC also reported that in 2020, Americans received over 4.5 billion robocalls per month, or roughly 15 calls per person per month. This is a staggering increase from the previous year when Americans received an estimated 3.7 billion robocalls per month.
One reason for the increase in robocalls is the ease with which scammers can make calls from anywhere in the world using inexpensive internet technology. The FTC estimates that around 80% of robocalls are fraudulent, and they often involve attempts to steal personal information, money, or both. Common robocall scams include calls from fake IRS agents, offers for fake medical products or services, and fake charity or political donation requests.
Another reason for the increase in robocalls is the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms. The FTC has brought several high-profile cases against robocallers, but the agency has limited resources, and many robocallers are located outside of the United States. Additionally, many robocallers use spoofed phone numbers to make it appear as though their calls are coming from a local area code, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to track them down.
The problem of robocalls is not just a nuisance for consumers; it also has significant financial implications. The FTC estimates that Americans lose billions of dollars each year due to robocall scams. In 2020, the agency reported that consumers lost over $1.9 billion to fraud, with a median loss of $500 per person. The most common types of fraud involved imposter scams, online shopping scams, and government imposter scams.
In response to the growing problem of robocalls, the government and industry have taken several steps to combat the issue. In 2019, the FCC adopted new rules that allow phone companies to block robocalls by default, rather than requiring consumers to opt-in to call blocking services. The FCC has also taken enforcement actions against several major robocalling operations, including imposing record fines against a single robocaller that made over one billion calls.
In addition to government action, several private companies have developed technologies to help consumers block robocalls. These technologies include call blocking apps, which can identify and block known robocall numbers, and services that allow consumers to create personalized block lists. Many mobile carriers also offer call blocking services to their customers.
Despite these efforts, the problem of robocalls persists, and consumers continue to receive a high volume of unwanted calls. As the technology used by robocallers becomes more sophisticated, it is likely that the problem will continue to grow. However, by remaining vigilant and taking advantage of available technologies and services, consumers can help protect themselves from robocall scams.
In conclusion, robocalls are a significant and growing problem in the United States, with billions of calls made each month and billions of dollars lost to scams each year. While the government and industry have taken steps to combat the issue, it remains a persistent threat to consumers. By taking advantage of available technologies and services, consumers can help protect themselves from robocall scams and minimize their risk of financial loss.