AFSA Submits Comment Letter to FCC on Robocall Blocking
On May 15, AFSA submitted a letter to the FCC requesting that the agency begin a rulemaking as soon as possible to ensure that all robocall blocking services include transparency and effective redress options for both consumers and callers.
In its effort to promote caller authentication and to implement the TRACED Act, the FCC mandated that all originating and terminating voice service providers apply the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication framework. AFSA strongly supports the FCC’s efforts to end illegal robocalls and to protect consumers from fraudsters. In its letter to the FCC, AFSA emphasizes the importance of not erroneously blocking legitimate calls from financial institutions. The inability of creditors to reach borrowers can have an adverse effect on consumers’ credit scores and further reduce their access to credit.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges that “one size fits all” policies can create. Many companies (including many AFSA members) during this period have sought to alert consumers about opportunities to delay payments or extend credit, the closure of some branches and stores, or the availability of online and mobile banking to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Such calls should not be hindered by well-intentioned effort to protect consumers.
May 18th, 2020
