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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) together with its federal and state law enforcement partners conducted another major crackdown against illegal robocalls.

On Tuesday, the FTC said the joint crackdown called “Operation Call it Quits” targeted entities responsible for more than a billion illegal robocalls across the country.

These entities are bothering consumers anytime of the day with calls selling different products and services including money making opportunities and medical alert systems.

In addition to enforcement actions, Operation Call it Quits includes FTC’s efforts to disseminate new information to educate consumers regarding illegal robocalls. The Commission is also promoting the development of technology-based solutions to prevent robocalls and caller ID spoofing.

FTC and its partners brought numerous enforcement actions against illegal robocallers

Operation Call it Quits resulted to the filing of six new cases and three new settlements. As of today, the total number of cases filed against illegal robocallers and Don Not Call (DNC) violators is 145.

In addition, 25 federal, state and local agencies filed 87 complaints as part of the major crackdown.

In a statement, Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said, “We’re all fed up with the tens of billions of illegal robocalls we get every year. Today’s joint effort shows that combatting this scourge remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies around the nation.”

On the other hand, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, commented, “Every year, our office gets more consumer complaints about unwanted robocalls than just about any other issue. At best, these calls represent a nuisance for families just wanting to enjoy peace and privacy without needless disturbances interrupting their routines. At worst, they represent scams that successfully steal people’s identities or hard-earned money. In Indiana, we are quite serious about stopping illegal robocalls, and our alliances with such partners as the FTC will prove a valuable asset in this mission.”