Lawmakers Pushing For New Tech That Can Block Robocalls

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WASHINGTON (CBSMiami) – The number of complaints over annoying robocalls continues to grow, and the previous steps taken to stop the calls failed. Now lawmakers are pushing for new technology that can block unwanted calls.

Joel Fischman said he constantly received calls from telemarketers – better known as robocalls.

"About a dozen on my landline and another two or three on my cell phone," he said. "They're a distraction, they're an intrusion."

Fischman is frustrated because years ago he signed up for the do not call registry, along with more than 200 million other Americans.

But it turns out the registry doesn't stop all the calls it should.

A major reason why: Many companies do not abide by the registry and call anyway and there is rarely a punishment.

"I thought this is insane," said California Rep. Jackie Speier.

Sick of robocalls, Congresswoman Speier introduced legislation that forces phone companies to give customers the ability to block telemarketers.

"It basically says telecoms you have to provide for no charge the opportunity for your consumers not to be bothered," she said.

Many people already have access to the technology.

Several phone providers offer a service called Nomorobo.

It uses a massive database of known illegal robocallers to block most calls.

And for your cell phone there are several apps that can identify telemarketers, such as PrivacyStar, Truecaller and WhoApp.

"You don't want to answer the phone," Fischman said.

After CBS4's Weijia Jiang spoke with him, Fischman was able to get call blocking technology for his home phone and almost all the calls have stopped.

Congresswoman Speier's legislation is pending in the house.

Sen. Chuck Schumer is introducing a similar bill in the senate.