Robocalls deliver pre-recorded messages to selected phone numbers conveniently and at affordable costs through automated phone calls. Politicians, debt collectors, and telemarketers use robocalls for legitimate purposes in Nevada. They widely use them to conduct phone-based sensitization and campaigns. Other legal uses of robocalls include school resumption or vacation announcements, prescription reminders by pharmacies, and notification of medical appointments by hospitals. Phone scammers are also heavy users of robocalls for the same reasons that make them appealing to legitimate users.
Fraudsters employ robocalls in reaching a large number of targets and attempt to steal their money or obtain sensitive information using fraudulent recorded messages. They also use spoofed robocalls to impersonate legitimate companies and government institutions to increase the chances of having their calls answered. Reverse phone number lookup applications can help differentiate between live calls and robocalls.
Nevada ranked as the second-most robocalled state with an estimated 563 million robocalls in 2019. While the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulates robocalls at the federal level, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) oversees its use in the state.
What are Nevada Robocall Scams?
These are fraudulent schemes in Nevada that rely on automated telephone calls bearing various pre-recorded messages. They are employed by fraudsters to cheat residents out of their money and/or sensitive information and are often spoofed to conceal their actual origins. Phone scammers usually take on the phone numbers of legitimate businesses or government agencies to perpetrate robocall scams. Websites that provide reverse phone number searches can help residents differentiate live calls from automated calls. The Nevada Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is continually making efforts to curb the growing menace of robocalls in the state. In 2019, the state AG partnered with 51 state Attorneys General and 12 phone companies and adopted some principles to help the fight against illegal robocalls.
Does Nevada Have Anti-Robocall Laws?
Yes, the state of Nevada does have anti-robocall laws. They include:
Assembly Bill 193
On February 10, 1999, Assemblywoman Gene Segerblom introduced Assembly Bill 193 to revise provisions governing the utilization of automatic dialing and announcing devices (ADADs). It views certain practices relating to the use of ADADs as deceptive trade practices and prescribed suitable penalties for violations of the legislation. Having passed several readings both at the Assembly and Senate, it was finally approved by the Governor on June 9, 1999.
Assembly Bill 337
Assembly Bill 337 was introduced by Assemblyman Greg Brower on March 13, 2001, to revise provisions relating to deceptive trade practices. It broadens the interpretation of deceptive trade practices and prohibits the following during phone solicitations or sales presentation:
- Use of threats, intimidation, profane, or obscene language.
- The use of annoying, abusive, or harassing approaches repeatedly during calls.
- Telemarketing calls between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
It was read for the first time on March 14, 2001, and then referred to the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labour. On April 19, 2001, the bill got its third reading on the floor of the Assembly. At the Senate, it was read for the first time on April 20, 2001, and had its third reading on May 15, 2001. Afterward, it returned to the Nevada House and was subsequently forwarded to the Governor, who approved it on May 22, 2001. The bill became public law on July 1, 2001.
Assembly Bill 232
The 71st Session of Nevada legislature introduced Assembly Bill 439 in 2001 to establish a statewide Do Not Call (DNC) List. This bill, however, did not pass in the Senate because members could not reach a consensus on acceptable exemptions. However, the approval of Assembly Bill 232 by Governor Kenny Guinn on June 10, 2003, came as a relief. It protects Nevadans against fraudulent telemarketing calls. The legislation also empowers the state attorney general to use the Federal DNC Registry as a legal instrument to bar telemarketing calls originating in the state. It was introduced by Assemblyman Marcus Conklin on March 4, 2003.
Violators of these laws are liable to pay fines of up to $10,000 upon conviction for each violation.
Are there Special Requirements for Robocalls in Nevada?
Some requirements must be met by telemarketers in the State of Nevada. These provisions regulate the use of automatic dialing and announcing devices (ADADs) in placing robocalls. ADADs are computer software that dial phone numbers randomly or sequentially and deliver pre-recorded messages to them.
The Nevada state laws recommend the following rules for telemarketers who use ADADs:
- Persons who engage in robocalling must first obtain call recipients’ permission before conveying automated messages.
- Telemarketers must also supply their name, address, and telephone number of the business they represent or entity responsible for robocalls.
- The callers must clearly state the nature of their calls and notify call recipients that they will play automated messages for them.
- The callers must not place further calls to the same numbers if the call recipients terminate their initial call.
- Telemarketers must not use ADADs to place calls between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Some entities are allowed to use ADAD without obtaining the express permissions of called parties. They include:
- Those that already have existing business relationships with call recipients.
- Non-profit organizations
- Political candidates and organizations
- Public safety agencies
- Emergency services
How Do I Stop Robocalls?
Robocalls are usually unsolicited and are annoying and equally intrusive. Eliminating robocalls is quite challenging. Spoofed robocalls are especially difficult to deal with as they are tricky and can lead Nevadans to scams. Nevertheless, using reverse phone lookup tools can help you identify robocalls and avoid scams.
You can reduce the number of robocalls you receive by doing the following:
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers, and exercise caution if you do answer them. It is often advisable to allow such phone calls to slide into your voicemail machine. Phone scammers rarely leave messages on call recipients’ voicemail machines.
- End a call immediately you recognize it is a robocall. Do not accept any prompt that instructs you to select any key to be removed from the calling list or speak with a live operator. You will get more automated calls in the future if you do.
- Enroll your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. The FTC maintains this list and prohibits telemarketers from calling registered phone numbers. Registration is free and can be done online or by calling 1 (888) 382-1222 with the phone number you wish to enroll.
- Enable the call labeling and blocking features provided by your phone provider to block automated calls. You can also download and use third-party call-blocking apps such as Hiya, Truecaller, and Nomorobo to flag and block unwanted calls.File robocall complaints online with the FTC or FCC. You can also lodge complaints by contacting the FTC at 1 (877) 382-4357 or the FCC at 1 (888) 225-5322.