For the past 5 years illegal robocalls, prerecorded sales calls, have been surging in numbers. The Federal Trade Commission says they receive over 100,000 complaints each month about the calls. They believe the actual number is far higher though.
Since the integration of data lines and phone lines and the rise of voice over internet or VOIP, the cost for someone to make millions of overseas illegal robocalls has plummeted. This has led to millions of the predatory calls being made from abroad with near impunity.
What can the government do? What role is technology going to play in the problem it caused?
Guests:
- Bikram Bandy, Attorney at the Federal Trade Commission who runs the "Do Not Call" registry
- Timothy Marvin, grassroots organizer for Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports