The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved key amendments to its Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) to better protect consumers from technical support scams, particularly targeting schemes where victims initiate the calls themselves.
Under the expanded rules, the FTC can now take action against scammers even when consumers make "inbound" calls to companies advertising technical support services through pop-up alerts, emails, or direct mail solicitations. Previously, the FTC's authority was limited to cases where scammers initiated the calls.
The move comes as older adults face mounting losses from tech support fraud. In 2023, consumers aged 60 and above reported losing $175 million to these scams - a 10% increase from 2022. Data shows older adults are five times more likely to fall victim compared to younger consumers.
"The Commission will not sit idle as older consumers continue to report tech support scams as a leading driver of fraud losses," said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
These scams typically begin with fake alerts claiming a computer has been infected with malware. Once consumers call the displayed number, scammers pressure them to pay for unnecessary services using hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
The rule change enables the FTC to pursue legal action against fraudulent companies and seek refunds for victims. Most provisions will take effect 60 days after publication.
This marks the latest update to the TSR, which has undergone several amendments since 2000, including the creation of the Do Not Call Registry and regulations on pre-recorded calls and debt collection practices.
According to recent FTC data, tech support fraud remains one of the most reported forms of elder fraud, with over 17,000 victims aged 60 and above reporting such scams in 2023.
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