Have you ever got those annoying texts from unknown numbers, and sometimes, with restricted names that talk about random things like winning a promotion, lotteries, and the like? The Federal Communications Commission now requires telephone companies to block these scam messages under a new rule.
The public may soon be at peace when using their devices and not get a scam message or Robotexts occasionally, as this order is for all companies currently operating.
FCC to Require Telcos to Block Scam Messages, Robotexts
(Photo : Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash)
The Federal Communications Commission is now ordering telephone companies to block scam texts and robot-generated messages through its new rule.
The FCC released its first rule against scam messages and robotexts that are still highly prevalent in the country to help combat the circulating unwanted SMS. This rule concerns telephone companies and service providers in the United States, as the FCC now asks them to block these scam texts and messages from dubious numbers.
It mainly centers on unregistered or unused numbers, the invalid ones used to the advantage of the scammers or threat actors to further hide their identities.
This robotext order was approved unanimously by the FCC with a 4-0 vote from the Commission to block scam messages in the country.
How About Robocalls in the Country?
Robocalls already have a specific rule regarding its requirement for telcos to block these unwanted, unregistered, and unused numbers to make this scam calls to users.
The new FCC rule against robotexts will now require telcos to adhere to this in 30 days, as per its draft order that claimed it would be in effect in four months.
Robocalls and Robotext Problems
There was a significant time when robocalls and robotexts were prevalent in the country, and not saying that it is over now, but it had significantly decreased since the past years when it was at its highest. This is thanks to the efforts of the FCC and other telephone companies who worked hard in developing restrictive technology.
However, it is not yet over.
In the past, there were still complaints regarding receiving calls with system-generated voices and texts claiming misleading information to users. Most of the texts contain links to the websites not recommended for the public to open, as they may contain malware, and most are phishing websites that steal information.
It is important to stay vigilant in this age, especially as every person in the world has a significant digital footprint, which may be easily stolen through simple scams and hacks. The FCC and other regulators are proposing concrete rules to block these, including the recent ruling of blocking scam messages, alongside its initial proposals for robocalls.
Related Article: Avoiding 'Hi Mom' Text Scams: Signs to Look For & Things You Can Do
