Column: You can thank the coronavirus for a plunge in robocalls

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The number of robocalls plummeted last month as call centers closed for coronavirus lockdowns and social distancing. 'With everything else going on, a few hundred million fewer robocalls helps a little,' writes columnist DavidLaz.

Robocalls are automated, of course, but the most annoying ones often try to connect you with a live operator to close the deal, such as signing you up for a high-interest credit card or, worse, committing some act of fraud.

That might sound like a lot — and it is — but it’s 700 million fewer than the 4.8 billion robocalls logged in February, and way less than the record 5.7 billion registered in October.Indeed, a decline of 700 million calls is nothing to sneeze at.Quilici said most overseas robocallers may now lack the infrastructure for their employees to work from home, but that will quickly change.

This addresses the problem of “spoofing,” which is technology employed by robocallers to make it appear to recipients that a call is from a known source, such as a neighbor, your kid’s school or the local police department.. A techie involved in developing the industry-created system told me his team “tortured the English language” to cook up an acronym that allowed them to indulge their James Bond fanboy nerdiness.When a call originates, Shaken/Stir issues a digital “token” or “signature.

The FCC estimates that “eliminating the wasted time and nuisance caused by illegal scam robocalls” will save consumers about $3 billion a year in lost productivity . “But it’s clear that FCC action is needed to spur across-the-board deployment of this important technology,” he said.

 

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Davidlaz Not here in Dover, DE. I had received 7 crap calls by noon today. That's a typical day here and it hasn't slowed down at all.

Davidlaz Good. They should use all those call center as quarantine facilities and keep everybody happy.

Davidlaz I didn't think about it, but the Chinese Lady has been away for a while. I hope she's ok.

Davidlaz Good news, halo!!! 🇺🇸✔️✨👍

Davidlaz This week, I've had three attempts at someone trying to fraudulently use my credit card. The criminals are seizing the moment.

Davidlaz I have definitely gotten fewer robocalls but the scams are starting back up.

Davidlaz Nice paywall.

Davidlaz Noticed this and it’s been awesome!

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