New York’s senators are pushing for passage of a bill that would cut down on the number of robocalls Americans receive on a daily basis.
The bill backed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer would boost penalties for people and companies that intentionally seek to trick consumers through unsolicited calls. It would clarify violations under existing laws and bolster punishment of those offenses.
“From every corner of New York there is one thing everyone can agree upon, and that is the enduring hope that the robocalls stop,” Schumer said. “Americans are desperate to ‘hang up the phone’ and the DO NOT Call Act is the antidote we need to cut the cord on ‘spoofing’ scams that target especially elderly New Yorkers. Whether it’s the landline or cell, no one should be scared to pick up the phone, and I will fight tooth and nail to ensure that New Yorkers can have some peace and quiet from the incessant ringing of robocalls.”
“Robocalls are surging nationwide as advancements in technology have made it easier for scammers to prey on vulnerable New Yorkers with little to no consequence. Not only is this harmful to consumers, but frankly, we don’t have time for the nuisance and deception,” Gillibrand said. “This vital piece of legislation will give the FCC the tools needed to combat scammers who grossly violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and, all too often, target and defraud senior Americans.”
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].