Different Types of Robocalls

It's crucial to differentiate between various kinds of robocalls. Some are legitimate, such as calls from your bank alerting you to unusual transactions, or non-profit organizations reaching out for support. These calls comply with regulations and respect the FTC's Do Not Call Registry.

On the other hand, there are fraudulent robocalls, which are the focus of this discussion. These calls are often criminal in nature, disregarding the Do Not Call Registry, and are designed to defraud consumers.

Can We Eliminate All Robocalls?

While I will suggest several strategies to reduce scam robocalls, it's unrealistic to expect a complete eradication. Consider this: despite significant investments, we still can't stop contraband items in maximum-security prisons or international drug trafficking. However, reducing robocalls by 80% is feasible and would be a remarkable achievement.

The Power of Telecom Companies

So, how do we know that major telecom companies can effectively combat robocalls? Simply put, they operate the phone networks. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is under their control. Any service provider wishing to access this network must lease it from these telecommunications giants.

Recent advertisements from these companies boast about their state-of-the-art networks designed to support 5G technology, claiming they possess top-tier employees and cutting-edge equipment. Yet, when faced with the issue of scam robocalls, these firms suddenly claim it's too complex a problem for them to solve. In reality, robocalls are straightforward—just phone calls.

The Unveiling of a Profitable Problem

It’s not that telecoms lack awareness of robocalls; their entire infrastructure is engineered to handle high volumes of calls, including robocalls. The operators behind these scams are motivated by profit and rely on the ability to make countless calls to be successful.

Interestingly, these call centers are not secretive; they are established businesses located in places like Bangalore, Karachi, and Manila. They actively advertise for employees, revealing their operations are hardly hidden from the telecoms, which rely on them.

Despite the advanced technologies being rolled out, telecom companies find it more lucrative to allow these robocalls to continue. After all, processing these calls generates revenue for them, a fact that is well-known within the industry.

The Comparison: Robocalls vs. Email Spam

While scam robocalls and email spam are often likened, they are fundamentally different. Email platforms like Gmail excel at identifying spam because they can analyze the entire message. In contrast, there's no way to preemptively determine if an incoming call is a robocall.

The toll of these fraudulent calls is staggering. According to a Harris Poll, Americans lost nearly $30 billion to phone scams last year—over $500 million each week. This alarming statistic should compel elected officials and regulatory bodies to take action.

Can We Manage Scam Robocalls?

It’s essential to understand that while complete eradication of robocalls is improbable, effective management is certainly achievable. Just as Google manages spam emails efficiently, telecom companies could similarly control robocalls, potentially blocking up to 80% with relative ease.

So why the reluctance? The truth lies in profits. Every robocall represents a potential revenue stream for telecom companies, as they continue to collect data and charge for services.

Implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) Principles

One effective strategy for reducing robocalls is to adopt "Know Your Customer" (KYC) principles within the telecom sector. Lessons learned from past crises indicate that targeting financial resources is more effective than conventional methods of intervention.

By instituting KYC standards, telecom companies can verify the identities and practices of those utilizing their services, significantly reducing the potential for abuse. While they already perform credit checks for individual customers, a similar approach could be applied to business clients, particularly those operating call centers.

Collaboration is Key

Another necessary step involves collaboration among all telecom companies. Just as intelligence agencies failed to prevent the 9/11 attacks due to a lack of communication, telecoms must work together to identify and neutralize robocall campaigns effectively.

A consortium of telecom providers should be established, mandated by the FCC, to coordinate efforts against robocalls.

Introducing Vertical Service Codes (VSC)

Vertical service codes (VSC) are already utilized to manage various telephone features. I propose introducing a VSC specifically for reporting scam robocalls, empowering consumers to flag these calls for further analysis by telecom providers.

Reassessing the Industry Traceback Group (ITG)

The Industry Traceback Group, founded to combat illegal robocalls, has proven ineffective. Its close ties with major telcos compromise its independence. Disbanding the ITG might not solve the problem, but it is clear that its current structure is not yielding results.

Addressing the Shortcomings of STIR/SHAKEN

The STIR/SHAKEN framework was introduced to authenticate callers and combat caller ID spoofing. However, its effectiveness is hampered by the ability of scammers to manipulate caller ID information. Strengthening this system, such as locking the originating call number field, could enhance its reliability.