As robotexts skyrocket, new efforts emerge to fight scam texts and robocalls

WASHINGTON – For those of us annoyed or even outraged by unwanted robocalls and robotexts (isn’t that almost everyone), there’s been a lot of news during the last couple of weeks. Here are the most significant developments:

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this month notified seven phone companies they will be shut down for allowing scam robocalls on their networks. This marks the first time the FCC has made such a move.
• The FCC has finally proposed new rules to crack down on scam robotexts, a year after it was proposed by the FCC chairwoman.
• Scam robotexts have continued to rise the last few months after skyrocketing since last year, according to companies that track robocalls and robotexts. As a nation, we received 1 billion spam robotexts a month last year. That’s up to 15.6 billion a month in September 2022.
• Meanwhile, unwanted robocalls continue to decline but remain a troubling issue that costs consumers time and money.

In response to these developments, Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog for PIRG Education Fund, said:

“Robocalls and robotexts didn’t become a serious problem overnight and the problem is not going to be solved in a day. But these are real developments.

“Bad guys will continue to go after our information and money. Scams are a chameleon-like problem with no end in sight. Robocalls are slowing while robotexts are skyrocketing. We still see phishing emails, which started more than 20 years ago, while targeted messages through social media are becoming a bigger menace with each passing month.” 

For details on the latest news and tips, check out our blog and our guide with tips to protect yourself from scam robocalls and robotexts.