NARUC applauds Senate on Phone Scam Prevention Act of 2015

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) commended the inclusion of the Phone Scam Prevention Act of 2015, S. 1759, in the Federal Communications Commission Reauthorization Act of 2016, S. 2644, on Thursday.

“While NARUC has taken no position on the Federal Communications Commission Reauthorization Act of 2016, S. 2644, we have endorsed the Phone Scam Prevention Act of 2015, S. 1759, which was included in the bill substitute adopted today,” NARUC President Travis Kavulla said. “We applaud the committee for its leadership on this issue. Consumers are constantly barraged by unwanted telemarketing and scam calls and texts, made possible through the ease of spoofing phone numbers. NARUC supported the original Truth in Caller ID Act of 2010 and supports the needed changes adopted today to reflect advances in technology and consumer preferences.”

“Scam artists spoof their phone numbers to pose as utility companies, police, the IRS, or other trusted public and private entities to scam consumers,” NARUC Committee on Telecommunications Chair Chris Nelson said. “Consumers need to know they can rely upon information displayed on their phones regarding the identity of those calling and texting them.  Federal and State policymakers must work together to combat this serious problem, which costs consumers millions of dollars every year and undermines public trust in the institutions falsely represented by scammers.”

The decision was made during a markup held by the Senate Commerce Committee on Science and Transportation on Wednesday. The act also includes a provision to ensure that the public can directly dial 9-1-1 on any phone – Kari’s Law, S. 2553 – even if using a private phone system at an office or hotel.