Michigan residents might get some relief from persistent robocalls, as Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel ramps up the crackdown on companies suspected of funneling illegal robocalls into the state. As reported by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, iDentidad Telecom was recently issued a stern warning for allegedly transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic. AG Nessel, alongside a bipartisan group of 50 state attorneys general who are part of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, called for the telecom company to immediately cease its activities.
In line with this effort, the Federal Communications Commission has also weighed in, issuing a cease-and-desist letter to iDentidad. AG Nessel further noted the concerted effort to hold accountable businesses like iDentidad that partake in sending these suspected unlawful calls. The warning to the telecom company follows nearly 200 traceback notices related to suspicious or illegal call traffic, many originating from outside the United States. Among these were scams impersonating IRS or Social Security Administration officials and deceiving calls posing as the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to non-Illinois residents.
Legal repercussions are a significant possibility for companies that persist in illegal activities. Should iDentidad and similar entities continue to allow suspicious robocall traffic to flow through their networks, state attorneys general may take legal measures including seeking damages, injunctions, and civil penalties. The task force, established in August of 2022, represents a nationwide push against the telecommunications businesses responsible for routing a considerable bulk of foreign robocalls into the United States.
Victims of these scams are not without recourse. AG Nessel has provided a series of tips to help Michigan residents shield themselves against such schemes, including education on Michigan’s telemarketing laws and guidance on the Do Not Call Registry. In her attempt to safeguard consumers, Nessel emphasizes vigilance against accepting payment requests in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency and advises immediately disconnecting any suspected fraudulent calls. Michigan Department of Attorney General encourages citizens to use their online form to report robocall complaints, further supporting Nessel's commitment to diminish illegal robocalls and texts to Michigan residents.
