Spam call complaints drop significantly since 2021

Decrease in Unwanted Telemarketing Calls

Complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls have dropped for the third straight year, the Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday. Reports of such calls have fallen by over 50 percent versus 2021, according to the FTC — a decline that could be thanks in no small part to stepped-up government efforts to fight irritating telemarketing and phone scams.

There were about 33,000 fewer unwanted call complaints during the 2024 fiscal year versus the year prior, writes the FTC. The drop affected all sorts of unwanted calls, although the agency writes that reports about debt reduction calls had jumped “more than 85 percent from last year.”

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Sam Levine said that while illegal calls are still “a scourge,” he credited “the FTC’s strategy to pursue upstream players and equip the agency to confront emerging threats” with the reduction in complaints.

The Impact of Government Efforts

The decrease in unwanted telemarketing calls can be attributed to the enhanced efforts of the government to combat these nuisance calls. With reports of unwanted calls dropping significantly, it is evident that these initiatives have had a positive impact on reducing the prevalence of telemarketing and phone scams.

Debt Reduction Calls

While overall unwanted call complaints have decreased, reports concerning debt reduction calls have seen a significant increase. The FTC highlights that complaints in this category have surged by more than 85 percent compared to the previous year, indicating a shift in the types of unwanted calls being reported.

FTC’s Strategy Against Illegal Calls

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Sam Levine acknowledges that illegal calls remain a challenge, but credits the FTC’s strategic approach in targeting upstream players and addressing emerging threats for the decline in complaints. By focusing on proactive measures, the FTC has been able to effectively combat illegal telemarketing practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the significant decrease in unwanted telemarketing calls reflects the success of government initiatives and the FTC’s targeted strategies in combating illegal calls. While challenges persist, the ongoing efforts to address emerging threats have resulted in a positive trend towards reducing the prevalence of nuisance calls.

FAQs

Q: How have unwanted call complaints changed over the years?

A: Unwanted call complaints have seen a steady decline over the past three years, with reports falling by over 50 percent compared to 2021.

Q: What is the FTC doing to combat illegal telemarketing practices?

A: The FTC has implemented proactive measures targeting upstream players and addressing emerging threats to reduce the prevalence of illegal calls.

Credit: www.theverge.com