WASHINGTON—The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a new initiative – "Operation Call it Quits" – in conjunction with other federal, state and local law enforcement to crack down on telemarketers.
During the initiative's announcement, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Andrew Smith reported 3.8 million robocall complaints were filed with the FTC last year. He added that nearly all robocalls are illegal under the FTC's telemarketing sales rule unless consent is given in writing.
Smith also stated that so far, the sweep has resulted in eight FTC actions and the filing of 145 cases alleging telemarketing violations.
The announcement was webcast live on the agency's Facebook page and can be viewed here. Smith was joined by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill and a consumer who had been adversely affected by unwanted robocalls.
During a House Energy and Commerce markup of the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, H.R. 3375, a number of lawmakers commented on the need to distinguish legitimate callers from robocalls, a point that has been made on an ongoing basis by both credit union trade associations.
Ahead of the markup, NAFCU Vice President of Legislative Affairs Brad Thaler sent a letter voicing the association's concerns, which was entered into the record. The bill as amended was agreed to by voice vote; it now moves to the full committee for consideration.
Additional resources for consumers on how to block robocalls can be found here.