press releases
For Immediate Release: September 24, 2015
Contact: Regina L. Davis, 202-898-9382, rdavis@naruc.org
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners supports the Phone Scam Prevention Act of 2015 (S. 1759) introduced by Senators Bill Nelson (FL), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce Committee with original co-sponsors Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Joe Donnelly (IN) to protect consumers from malicious calls and texts from falsified numbers. NARUC President Lisa Edgar, Telecommunications Committee Chair Chris Nelson, and Consumer Affairs Chair Brandon Presley have issued the following statements:
“NARUC applauds Senators Nelson, Klobuchar, and Donnelly for their leadership on this issue. Our members supported the original Truth in Caller ID Act of 2010 and support the changes needed to reflect advances in technology and consumer preferences. Consumers, who are often victims of malicious phone scams, need to know they can rely upon information displayed on their phones regarding the identity of those calling and texting them.”
NARUC President Lisa Edgar of Florida
“Scam artists spoof their phone numbers to pose as utility companies, police, the IRS, or other trusted public and private entities to scam consumers. 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.”
NARUC Committee on Telecommunications Chair Chris Nelson of South Dakota
“A major impact of phone number spoofing technology has been to undermine State and Federal Do-Not-Call lists. Falsified phone numbers complicate enforcement efforts and create time-consuming and costly investigations. This bill is a positive step forward in addressing this issue. State regulators can play an important role in helping to enforce these consumer protection rules.”
NARUC Committee on Consumer Affairs Chair Brandon Presley of Mississippi
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NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.
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