In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), CFA and other public interest groups are encouraging the FCC to make participation in the caller ID authentication system, which is currently under development, mandatory for providers. Strictly voluntary participation in such a system is insufficient. Failure of phone companies to participate would dramatically reduce the success of the system. Scammers would likely sign up with a voice provider that does not offer caller ID authentication so as to be able to continue to freely spoof calls. With advances in communications technology bringing ever-increasing intrusions on consumer privacy, it is crucial that consumers still be able to salvage their fundamental right to be left alone.
