SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Those annoying robocalls that drive people crazy are the targets of a bill headed to a floor vote before the U.S. House.
The Stopping Bad Robocalls Act passed unanimously out of committee on Wednesday. It would require the Federal Communications Commission to adopt consumer protection rules, forcing telecom companies to install technology that would identify and block more of the calls.
Jim Chilsen, managing communications director for the Citizens Utility Board in Chicago, says many calls come from scammers who manipulate caller ID displays to make it look like their call is coming from a local number.
"It is very mysterious and shadowy,” he states. “Technology allows scam artists and pitchmen to make thousands of calls a minute and there's been a lack of significant aggressive action by policymakers and big telecom companies to try and deal with this issue."
The bill, which has bipartisan support, also would make it easier to pursue violators. Americans received an estimated 48 billion robocalls in 2018 an increase of more than 56% over the year before.
While spoofers have found ways to get around the Do Not Call Registry, Chilsen says it's still a useful tool to prevent or reduce the number of unsolicited calls.
Other options include using an answering machine to screen calls, or using call-blocking services from your phone service provider.
"Fighting robocalls is a lot about trial and error,” he states. “You see what works for you.
“And the goal is to try to find free services and free ways to stop the robocalls. And if that fails, then you might want to go to a paid service."
Chilsen says the number one rule of dealing with robocallers is: Do not engage.
"Don't talk, don't press any buttons – even if the call instructs you to press a button to get on the Do Not Call list, do not believe it,” he stresses. “Pressing a button will just tell the robocaller that there's a live person at that number."
The Citizens Utility Board has a free guide to help Illinoisans fight robocalls. It can be ordered online at citizensutilityboard.org.
get more stories like this via email
Lawmakers in Olympia this session moved to add more protections for consumers against predatory loans.
Washington state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 6025 unanimously in both chambers, closing a loophole companies were using to evade caps on the amount of interest charged on loans.
Sam Leonard, an attorney in Seattle, said tech companies providing financial services such as loans would charter out of state banks, especially in Utah, where lenders can charge unlimited interest rates.
"These fintech lenders a lot of times will charge 150, 200% interest on relatively small dollar loans, $3,000, $5,000 and the like," Leonard explained.
Washington state has a set of protections called the Consumer Loan Act to shield people from predatory loans. Leonard said capping interest rates at the federal level would help people across the country.
However, he emphasized the bill goes a long way to increase protections for Washingtonians.
"Not a lot of states at this time have passed similar legislation," Leonard pointed out. "Washington is out in front of the curve with regard to protecting low-income Washingtonians or other Washingtonians that might enter into these predatory loan products."
Leonard added the issue with predatory loans is they keep people in continuous debt cycles.
"Loan products like these essentially strip low-income individuals' ability to improve their economic situation," Leonard noted.
get more stories like this via email
While there's snow in the immediate forecast, the spring storm season has arrived in Minnesota and state officials said with complaints related to homeowner insurance claims on the rise, it is important to monitor changes in policies.
The Minnesota Commerce Department said complaints from policyholders, largely stemming from their claims being denied, have more than doubled since 2020.
Julia Dreier, deputy commissioner of insurance for the Minnesota Department of Commerce, said under a changing climate, the nation is seeing plenty of extreme weather events resulting in wind and hail damage, and insurance companies are adjusting to what's happening.
"Insurance costs are going to increase," Dreier pointed out. "We do want to make sure that Minnesotans are prepared."
As some carriers narrow what is covered or require higher deductibles, Dreier urged consumers to carefully review their policy when it is up for renewal, to avoid surprises when they have to file a claim. The department acknowledged changes can slip under the radar when consumers rely on paperless statements sent via email, or with busy schedules preventing them from reading all the fine print in documents they receive.
The department emphasized it is a complicated process in getting complaints resolved, noting some can be partially reversed in favor of the homeowner. Dreier noted they work closely with the industry to make sure a company's actions are within the letter of the law.
"One of our jobs is to make sure that insurance companies aren't doing something unethical when they're submitting their policy forms to us and their rates to us for review," Dreier added.
The department does have a new video on its YouTube channel, which offers more details on how to better prepare yourself ahead of any future claims, including knowing whether your policy offers flood protection and assessing the value of items in your home.
get more stories like this via email
Wisconsin has announced a big development in trying to establish more digital equity around the state.
Gov. Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission say Wisconsin's blueprint for digital equity has been accepted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
That means the state is eligible for up to $30 million to implement its approach over the next five years.
Martha Cranley - state director for AARP Wisconsin - called it a robust plan, noting that older populations continue to face challenges in being connected to the digital world.
"We know that at least 15% of people 50-plus in Wisconsin are not connected," said Cranley, "either because the wires simply don't come to their house, or they don't have a device, or they don't know how to use it."
Cranley said the lack of connection is especially concerning in rural areas across northern Wisconsin, where aging communities have limited resources.
Stakeholders also note an infusion of new aid is helpful with the federal government's Affordable Connectivity Program - which provides discounts on monthly internet bills for eligible households - in danger of running out of money.
Cranley said the state's plan came together following extensive public outreach, in which her organization helped convey the need for improved internet access for those 50 and older.
"They certainly heard from older people about how important this is to connect to their doctor," said Cranley, "and to connect to government services, and frankly, find employment."
Overall, Evers says the plan's federal approval means more than 410,000 homes and businesses will be better positioned to be connected to new or improved high-speed internet service.
Disclosure: AARP Wisconsin contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
click here.
get more stories like this via email