The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now paying attention to the annoying text messages known as robotexts sent to consumers’ cellphones.
On Monday, the FCC announced that its Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed rules to prevent the spread of robotexts. Her proposal will require mobile wireless providers to block these unlawful and unwanted text messages, similar to its current rule to stop billions of fraudulent robocalls.
In June 2019, the FCC approved a Declaratory Ruling allowing and encouraging phone companies to automatically block unwanted robocalls to protect consumers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its law enforcement partners have been cracking down on companies responsible for billions of robocalls to consumers.
The FCC realized that criminals are also using text messages as a new way to scam consumers. Last year alone, the Commission received around 14,000 consumer complaints regarding unwanted robotexts, a 146% increase from the number of complaints in 2019.
