In a bizarre twist, robocallers impersonating Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff inadvertently targeted actual FCC employees. The agency reported that on the night of February 6 and into the morning of February 7, 2024, multiple FCC employees and their families received automated calls demanding payment in Google gift cards to avoid jail time for fictitious crimes.
The robocalls, featuring an artificial voice, claimed to be from a non-existent “Fraud Prevention Team”. The FCC clarified that such a team does not exist and emphasized that it does not disclose personal phone numbers. The calls were quickly terminated after around 1,800 were made.
In response, the FCC announced a proposed fine of $4,492,500 against Telnyx, the voice service provider allegedly responsible for the calls. Telnyx has denied any wrongdoing and plans to contest the fine. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of robocalls, even affecting those who work to combat them!
