Yisroel R.

Congressman Mike Lawler is leading a bipartisan effort in support of new federal actions aimed at cracking down on illegal robocalls and phone scams that continue to target Americans across the country.

Lawler, joined by 18 members of Congress from both parties, sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission expressing support for a proposed rule that would strengthen oversight of phone number assignments and close loopholes that scammers use to carry out fraudulent calls.

According to federal data cited in the letter, Americans reported approximately $15.9 billion in fraud losses during 2025, the highest amount ever recorded. Lawmakers noted that victims contacted by phone often suffer some of the largest financial losses, highlighting the need for stronger protections.

The letter also points to growing concerns over increasingly sophisticated scams, including the use of artificial intelligence and voice-cloning technology to impersonate banks, government agencies, and other trusted organizations. Lawmakers urged the FCC to adopt stronger rules to prevent criminals from rapidly switching phone numbers to avoid detection and continue targeting victims.

In addition to supporting the FCC’s proposed changes, Lawler and his colleagues called for greater coordination between the FCC, the U.S. Treasury Department, and financial regulators to better identify and stop fraud networks before consumers lose money.

The effort is part of a broader push to modernize communications regulations and strengthen protections for consumers as phone scams and fraud schemes continue to evolve with the use of artificial intelligence.

Photo: Shutterstock