According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, it’s illegal to robocall a mobile phone number without permission. The American Bankers Association wants to change that, arguing that robocalls will help fight identity theft and other kinds of fraud. Opponents say that’s an overreach, one that will erode an important consumer protection.
That’s one explanation. Another is that it allows them to repeatedly call people who owe them money, like this couple. If you’re between 3 days and 6 months late on your credit card payment, the debt hasn’t been charged off yet and the banks still consider it recoverable. This window is when they like to bombard people with debt collection calls. Changing the law to allow robocalls would facilitate this.
In fact, since 2003, more than 223 million Americans have registered with the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry.
Putting your phone number on the Do Not Call List is a must for anyone who doesn’t enjoy talking to telemarketers. Which is everyone I’ve ever met. Sign up here.
It doesn’t cover certain charities, political polls, and companies you’ve done business with in the previous 18 months, but it drastically cuts down on spam phone calls.