A robocall is a call made from a number that is reported as illegal
Lots to unpack there.
Robocalls are not illegal. If they were, dentists would be in prison.
Spoofing is not illegal. If it was, law enforcement agencies working cases, victims of domestic abuse and doctors discussing private medical matters would be in prison.
How does a number become "illegal?"
Under the Truth in Caller ID Act, the FCC prohibits "...any misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm or wrongly obtain anything of value."
If no harm is intended or caused, spoofing is not illegal. However, if you don't answer the call or just block the number, you can't prove intended harm.
Spoofing from your local exchange(s) (Area Code & LATA) is the latest ploy to get you to answer the phone. Nomo won't block these numbers because the scammers use your local numbers once and move on to another local number. Blocking these "disposable" numbers would be blocking ghosts...not to mention legitimate subscribers.
Your only defense would be a call-blocking device featuring wildcards. For example, block everything from (123) 456-****. If your neighbor shares your exchange, you could permit their number on the device.
REALLY?! robo calls are NOT illegal? what state do you live in? i am in CA & i think they ARE! spoofing...if not illegal...should be. i don't cotton up to anyone spoofing mine! most spoofed calls Are intending harm, otherwise why would they not SAY WHO THEY ARE? and i have NEVER got a robo call from a dentist!
if metro pcs can tell us we have a "scam likely" call....why can't you!?
does anybody know if the the contact me if there's a response email operating at the current time? or do i have to check back for responses?
i think they ARE!
Regardless of your state, the FCC governs autodialing because unlawful calls cross international boundaries and state lines. The FCC also has different rules for landline and mobile phones.
Landline. Robocalls are not illegal but can be unlawful. Any state or FCC policy combating robocalls specifically target unlawful robocalls. Examples of lawful robocalls: market research, polling data, solicitations from tax-exempt/non-profit groups, school closings, flight information and reminders of dental appointments. Unlawful robocalls: "...any misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm or wrongly obtain anything of value."
Mobile Phones. According to the FCC, "Autodialed or prerecorded calls to wireless phones are prohibited without prior express consent, regardless of the call's content, with a few exceptions such as emergency calls regarding danger to life or safety."
Are people abusing the rules? Absolutely. As with immigration, firearms, prescription drugs, voting, FISA warrants, campaign contributions...each can be legal or illegal.
