FTC crackdown stops operations responsible for billions of illegal robocalls

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission said it shut down four different operations that were responsible for "bombarding consumers nationwide with billions of unwanted and illegal robocalls."

The agency said this week that it shut down "four separate operations" that were responsible for "bombarding consumers nationwide with billions of unwanted and illegal robocalls."

“Very annoying,” said Aggie McGraw, who has fallen victim to robocalls. “They scam you for money or Social Security number.”

[Action 9: FTC, phone apps work to combat unwanted robocalls]

The groups called people promoting services, including auto warranties, debt-relief services, home security systems, fake charities and other services, according to the FTC.

“Anything from wanting gift cards to saying my Social Security number is suspended,” McGraw said. “I just can’t keep track.”

The four operations were charged with operating illegal practices in 2017 or 2018.

The operations owe penalties to the FTC anywhere from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars.

Cox Media Group