Many automated robocalls dial from software systems operating outside the United States. You could download a call-blocking app on your phone to stop them. Some apps, however, may not recognize a “spoofed” or false number on your caller ID display, as noted by Consumer Reports.
If a phone number on your screen appears legitimate, and you discover that it came from an automated dialer, you could ask your phone carrier to block it. Phone companies have the ability to label reported numbers on their networks as “spam.”
STIR/SHAKEN Framework and Robocall Mitigation Database
The Federal Communications Commission requires phone service providers to authenticate calls through its STIR/SHAKEN framework, as noted on FCC.gov. The acronym STIR stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited. SHAKEN stands for Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs. These standards help verify that consumers receive calls from the actual numbers on their screens.
The Robocall Mitigation Database contains certifications filed by phone service providers confirming their use of STIR/SHAKEN standards. Consumers may review the database to learn how carriers protect them from automated calls. If a phone service provider does not follow STIR/SHAKEN requirements or submit its certifications, your phone carrier must block incoming calls from that provider’s network.
Telephone Consumer Protection Act violations and legal actions
Your phone company must verify that calls coming through their networks originate from the numbers on your phone screen. As noted on DNC.com, each carrier may assign ratings to phone numbers such as A, B or C to confirm the caller’s authenticity.
Although your phone carrier complies with STIR/SHAKEN standards and assigns ratings, robocalls from an unauthorized party may still get through. If so, you may file a claim against a robocaller for violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Callers may face penalties such as paying up to $1,500 for each unauthorized phone call.