Rapid City, SD – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the state is part of a 48‑state coalition urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to strengthen the nation’s defenses against illegal robocalls. The coalition submitted formal comments to the FCC, calling for stricter filing requirements and tougher enforcement of the agency’s Robocall Mitigation Database.
Why stronger rules are needed
Jackley warned that scammers continue to exploit loopholes in the current system, gaining access to the database and using it to place illegal calls that harass and defraud consumers. “South Dakotans are harassed, and oftentimes, scammed by robo callers who have not been weeded out from the database,” he said. “The FCC must do more to protect consumers from these bad actors.”
Current database requirements
Under existing FCC rules, telecommunications providers must submit detailed information about their business operations and the steps they take to prevent illegal robocalls before they can be listed in the Robocall Mitigation Database. Once listed, providers are generally allowed to route call traffic only for companies that are also listed.
Proposed changes
The coalition’s comments ask the FCC to tighten the filing process, requiring more comprehensive documentation of anti‑robocall measures. They also request that providers who fail to meet the new standards be barred from entering or remaining in the database. According to the coalition, these changes would increase transparency, hold providers accountable, and make it harder for illegal robocalls to reach consumers.
Regional support
The letter includes attorneys general from neighboring states such as Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa, underscoring a broad regional commitment to curbing illegal robocalls. The issue remains a top consumer‑complaint category nationwide, with scammers frequently impersonating government agencies, financial institutions and local businesses to extract money or personal information.
Potential impact for South Dakota residents
Stronger oversight of the Robocall Mitigation Database could reduce the volume of illegal call traffic that reaches South Dakota households. By ensuring that only vetted providers participate, the FCC would help shield families from unwanted harassment and protect seniors, parents, and small‑business owners from fraud attempts.
Next steps
The FCC is expected to review the coalition’s comments during its ongoing rulemaking process. Jackley and his fellow attorneys general will continue to monitor the agency’s response and advocate for any additional measures that further safeguard consumers.
For more information on how to report illegal robocalls, South Dakota residents can visit the FCC’s consumer complaint portal or contact the Attorney General’s office.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
