Thread: FCC wants hackers help to halt telemarketing calls

FCC wants hackers help to halt telemarketing calls


Associated Press2:32 PM, Jun 16, 2014
10:51 PM, Jun 16, 2014

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WASHINGTON - Hate those annoying automated telemarketing calls? Well, help is on the way.

The Federal Trade Commission says it's enlisting hackers to help track and trap illegal phone spammers.

The agency says it'll go to DEF CON 22, one of the world's oldest and largest hacker conferences, with a challenge called "Zapping Rachel." It asks spammers to build the ultimate "honeypot" -- a system to lure and identify illegal robocallers.

"Zapping Rachel" will consist of three stand-alone contests hosted at the conference from August 7th through 10th. Complete rules will be posted to Challenge.gov in advance of the contest.

The goal is to find new technologies that can help experts and law enforcement authorities understand and combat illegal calls, and help consumers block those calls.

Consumer tips and other information about the FTC's enforcement efforts against telemarketing scams are available online at www.ftc.gov/robocalls.

http://www.abc15.com/news/national/f...arketing-calls

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

CONSUMER INFORMATION



Consumers are getting more robocalls than ever. Technology is the reason: Companies are using autodialers that can send out thousands of phone calls every minute for an incredibly low cost.
Using its enforcement authority, the FTC has stopped companies responsible for billions of illegal robocalls that have offered fraudulent credit card services, so-called auto warranty protection plans, medical discount cards, and grant procurement programs.

The Commission conducted a market-stimulation challenge in 2012, awarding prizes to innovators who developed technical solutions to the problem of illegal robocalls. The agency’s efforts to stimulate technological solutions continue, including through a contest at DEF CON 2014. In addition, the FTC is continuing aggressive law enforcement efforts, pursuing innovative strategies to gather evidence against robocall kingpins, producing consumer education, and coordinating with industry and other experts to fight robocallers.

Learn More

Robocalls

Telemarketing sales calls with recorded messages are generally illegal unless you have given the company written permission to call you


Infographic: How Does a Robocall Work?

A visual guide.


What’s the FTC Doing About Robocalls?


Robocall Action Plan

The FTC’s multiple initiatives to combat the problem of illegal robocalls.


The FTC Robocall Challenge

The agency challenged innovators to create solutions that will block illegal robocalls. The challenge is now closed and the three winners with groundbreaking ideas were announced in April 2013.


2012 Robocall Summit

The FTC hosted a one-day public event on Thursday, October 18, 2012 to discuss the rapid rise in illegal robocalls and identify potential solutions. You can view videos and PowerPoint presentations from the event’s panels.

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The FTC Robocall Challenge

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• Blog: “One-ring” cell phone scam can ding your wallet
• FTC, Florida Attorney General Sue to Halt Operation that Used Robocalls to Fraudulently Pitch Medical Alert Devices to Seniors Nationwide
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• FTC Ends Rulemaking On Caller ID Falsification Issues
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• Deceptive Robocallers Permanently Shut Down In FTC Settlements
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• FTC Acts Against Spam Text and Robocalling Operations
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• FTC Settles ‘Rachel’ Robocall Enforcement Case
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http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0025-robocalls