Insights

New Regulations Targeting Scam Text Messages Set to Take Effect

Mar 18, 2024

As our digital world continues to evolve, so do the challenges we face. Among these challenges is the persistent issue of scam text messages inundating consumers' phones. In response to this growing problem, regulatory authorities have taken action.

On March 17, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission released the Text Blocking Report and Order, a significant step towards curbing the onslaught of scam texts. This order established a new rule aimed directly at addressing the proliferation of illegal and unwanted text messages.

Now, with an effective date set for September 3, 2024, the rule is poised to make a tangible impact in combating this nuisance. So, what exactly does this new rule entail?

• It mandates mobile service providers to block certain text messages deemed highly likely to be illegal.
• It targets texts claiming to originate from phone numbers listed on a reasonable Do-Not-Originate (DNO) list. These numbers include those identified as invalid, unallocated, or unused.
• When leveraging a DNO list to block text messages, the list should also contain numbers for which the subscriber of that number has designated DNO for texting. These numbers will never generate an outbound text.  

With this regulatory milestone achieved, wireless mobile providers will be required to deploy solutions to facilitate compliance with these updated regulations.

Containing a robust Toll-Free and local number dataset of over 6 billion numbers, RealNumber® DNO is THE solution designed to help mitigate unwanted and potentially fraudulent communications, such as scam texts, by enabling mobile providers with the information they need to block messages (and calls) from numbers that should never originate them.

By empowering providers with the information they need to take action, we can be your one-stop-shop to help mitigate fraud and support compliance!

Email us today at connect@somos.com to learn more!