Newsroom

5.1 billion robocalls were made nationwide in November 2018. That’s up from the 2.7 billion in November 2017. Local reports indicate that the D.C. area is targeted by more robocalls than other parts of the country, and these calls are on the rise. Now, a bipartisan group of 40 state attorneys general is working to reduce the number of annoying and harmful robocalls consumers receive every day.

Robocalls are phone calls made using an automated dialer that deliver pre-recorded messages, and the number of automated calls is growing. That’s why Attorney General Karl Racine, along with 39 other state attorneys general, has formed a working group to crack down on this pervasive problem.

Since it was formed, the group has had in-depth meetings with several major telecom companies to learn about new technologies in development to fight these calls. AG Racine and his colleagues are working to:

• Develop an understanding of how technology can be used to minimize unwanted robocalls and illegal telemarking;
• Encourage the major telecom companies to quickly adopt the best possible solutions for consumers; and
• Determine what steps the states could ask the federal government to take to combat this problem.

The Office of the Attorney General works to educate District residents about their consumer rights, responds to individual consumer complaints, and takes appropriate law enforcement action when possible. Get tips on how to reduce the number of robocalls you receive or learn more about your rights and how to avoid telemarketing scams.