(MEDIA RELEASE) WASHINGTON, June 17, 2019 — Robocalls, we all get them. They are the top consumer complaint received by the FCC.

Many robocalls spoof neighborhood phone numbers to make it appear as if a call is coming from the recipient’s local area by mirroring their area code and local exchange. Spoofed calls are often the start of an imposter scam, the top scam complaint filed with the FCC last year and  the top complaint category reported to the FTC by people in Wisconsin. 

Did you know that on June 6 the FCC affirmed that phone companies can immediately begin blocking unwanted robocalls by default based on reasonable call analytics? Also, phone companies may now offer customers the choice to opt-in to tools that block calls from any number that does not appear on a customer’s contact list or other “white lists.” 

Phone companies are also preparing to roll out a robust caller ID authentication system, allowing them to block or label spoofed calls and help authorities track down the sources.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Spoofing Scams

  • Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, don’t hang on, hang up immediately.
  • If you answer the phone and the caller – or a recording – asks you to hit a button to stop getting the calls, you should just hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.
  • Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with “Yes” or “No.”
  • Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.

Consumer Event Topics

Midwest Rural Tour Schedule – Wisconsin

Wednesday, June 26

  • 6:00 pm
    Presentation at La Crosse Public Library – Download Event Flyer
    800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601

Thursday, June 27

  • 12:00 pm
    Presentation at the Kupper Ratsch Senior Center – Download Event Flyer
    10025 Superior Ave., Tomah, WI 54660

Friday, June 28

  • 12:00 pm
    Presentation at DeForest Senior Center – Download Event Flyer
    505 N Main St., DeForest, WI 53532 
  • 3:00 pm
    Presentation at Portage Public Library – Download Event Flyer
    253 W. Edgewater St., Portage, WI 53901

Midwest Rural Tour Schedule – Minnesota

Wednesday June 26
Winona, MN

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Town Hall Meeting
City Hall
207 Lafayette St.
Winona, MN 55987

La Crescent, MN

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Public Face Meeting
City Hall
315 Main St.
La Crescent, MN 55974

For more information visit the FCC Midwest Rural Tour webpage, or contact: Mike Snyder at (202) 418-0997, Michael.Snyder@fcc.gov; or Eduard Bartholme, (202) 418-1463, Eduard.Bartholme@fcc.gov.