Originally published in 2025. Last updated November 13, 2026.
If you keep getting calls from unknown numbers that turn out to be scams, the rules have shifted a lot since early 2025. Some changes took effect, some were struck down, and some are still on hold. Here is where things stand.
The “One-to-One” Consent Rule Is Dead
The FCC planned to require that a consumer’s consent to telemarketing calls and texts apply to one company at a time. The Eleventh Circuit vacated that requirement in Insurance Marketing Coalition v. FCC and sent the case back to the FCC. The ruling came on January 24, 2025, just before the rule’s January 27 start date. Businesses went back to the earlier consent requirements. That means a single consent can still cover several companies.
Easier Opt-Outs Took Effect in April 2025
Starting April 11, 2025, two important FCC rules for stopping text messages took effect. First, you can opt out by replying with “stop,” “quit,” “end,” “revoke,” “opt out,” “cancel,” or “unsubscribe.” These replies will count as valid requests to stop future messages.
Then, in a new order from September 2026, effective November 25, 2026, businesses can choose one method for opt-out requests. This could be the keywords mentioned, an interactive phone prompt, or a specific website or phone number, as long as they clearly tell you what it is.
If a business does not choose a specific method, you can still opt out in any reasonable way. They must honor your request within 10 business days.
FCC Scales Back “Revoke-All” Rule for Robocalls and Texts
The FCC has modified its “revoke-all” rule for robocalls and robotexts, set to take effect on November 25, 2026. Initially, the rule would have allowed one opt-out to stop all communications from a company by 2025, but it faced multiple delays.
Now, if you opt out of an informational call or text, like a payment reminder, you will stop only that type of alert. However, if you choose to opt out of marketing messages, you will revoke consent for all future marketing calls and texts from that company.
Businesses can also choose a specific opt-out method, such as unique reply keywords or an automated prompt, as long as they clearly disclose this option.
AI-Generated Voices and Robotexts
The FCC classifies AI-generated voices as “artificial” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), meaning outbound robocalls using them still require prior consent—which scammers don’t have. For robotexts, the FCC requires mobile carriers to block messages from numbers flagged as sending illegal traffic. However, federal courts split in 2026 over whether consumers can personally sue over unwanted marketing texts under the TCPA: while the Ninth Circuit affirmed that text messages count as “calls” under the law, the Seventh Circuit ruled that the TCPA’s Do-Not-Call private lawsuit provision applies strictly to voice calls, not texts.
Are Text Messages Covered By Do Not Call Rules?
The FCC applies Do-Not-Call protections to texts, but courts are now split on whether you can sue over them. On July 14, 2026, the Seventh Circuit became the first federal appeals court to hold that the TCPA’s Do-Not-Call private right of action doesn’t cover text messages. So consumers there can’t sue under that provision based only on unwanted texts.
The ruling has limits. The Ninth Circuit has held that a text message is a “call” under a different part of the TCPA, and the same question is pending before the Eleventh Circuit. State laws are unaffected, and many extend telemarketing and do-not-call protections to texts. If you’re getting unwanted marketing texts, report them anyway and check your state’s rules.
How the FCC Is Trying to Block Illegal Robocalls
The FCC now focuses on making phone companies answerable for the calls they carry, not just on caller ID technology.
- Caller ID authentication (STIR/SHAKEN). The framework lets carriers verify that a call really comes from the number shown. A rule effective June 18, 2026 requires providers who use third parties to sign calls to keep control of the attestation-level decisions and use their own certificates.
- Provider accountability. In January 2026, the FCC published new rules for the Robocall Mitigation Database, where all voice providers must register. A February 2026 rule requires VoIP numbering holders to certify that they won’t knowingly facilitate illegal robocalls, spoofing, or fraud. In May 2026, the FCC proposed expanding “know your upstream provider” and STIR/SHAKEN requirements. That is still a proposal.
- Enforcement. The FCC’s largest fine to date is $299,997,000, against the Sumco Panama auto warranty scam operation. The FCC imposed it in August 2023, and the Justice Department handles collection.
Is It Working?
Partly. Americans received just over 4.25 billion robocalls in October 2026, according to YouMail, the highest monthly total since July 2025. The 12-month total was 48.7 billion, the lowest since late 2022. Five years after the authentication requirements began, fewer than half of registered phone companies have fully installed the technology. The measures have cut some spoofing but haven’t stopped scam calls, especially those from overseas or routed through resold numbers. The FCC estimates illegal robocalls cost consumers about $10.5 billion a year. It remains a game of whack-a-mole.
What the FCC Requires of Robocallers
Callers must show accurate caller ID and may not spoof it. Prerecorded telemarketing messages must identify the caller and give a way to opt out of future calls. Noncompliant callers face fines.
How to Spot a Fake Robocall
- Spoofed caller ID. Scammers display a local number or a trusted one, such as a bank or government agency.
- A pause after you answer. A delay before anyone speaks often means an automated system is connecting.
- A scripted or monotone voice. Look for stock openers like “This is a message for [Name].” AI voices can sound natural, so don’t rely on this alone.
- Requests for personal information. Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive details on automated calls.
- Pressure and threats. Claims of arrest, overdue taxes, or limited-time offers push you to act before thinking.
- Interactive menus. Some robocalls use voice-response systems to simulate a conversation and seem legitimate.
If you’re unsure, hang up. Contact the company using a number from its official website, not one the caller gave you.
How to Stop and Report Robocalls
- Use your carrier’s call-blocking tools or a reputable call-filtering app.
- Register your number at donotcall.gov. It won’t stop scammers, but it helps you identify illegal telemarketing.
- Reply “STOP” to unwanted texts from legitimate businesses. Scammers ignore these, so just block and report them.
- Report illegal robocalls and robotexts to the FCC, and scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the date and time, the number shown, and a short description of the call.
Why Unknown Calls Are Risky
Answering an unknown number can mark your line as active, which can bring more spam. When a call claims to come from a government agency, the risk is higher. Let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
