25 Years Later, NJ Officials Still Fighting Unsolicited Telemarketing and Scammers

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has co-led a coalition of 49 state attorneys general calling on the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen rules against robocall scams. The action targets scammers who purchase legitimate phone numbers to conduct fraud targeting Union County and residents across the nation. Union County Life reports on the effort.

In 2025, Americans received approximately 29.6 billion scam robocalls and texts and lost nearly $2 billion to these scams, according to the Attorney General's Office.

"Robocalls aren't just annoying and illegal. They expose New Jerseyans to rampant scams and fraud that threaten their life's savings," Davenport said. "The FCC must take immediate action to stop robocalls in their tracks."

Scammers historically used illegal "spoofing"—making calls appear to come from legitimate companies or government agencies. After federal action and state attorney general efforts to cut down on illegal spoofing, scammers shifted tactics. They now purchase legitimate phone numbers and use them to make robocalls.

In September 2025, Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler warned the public about scammers using spoofed 609 area codes, fake email addresses, and fake website links. The scammers posed as senior Mercer County Sheriff's Officers. "They use the names of actual Sheriff's officers, making their calls appear legitimate when searched online," Kemler said at the time.

The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, initially formed in 2021, has requested that the FCC take six specific actions. In a July 7, 2026 filing, the coalition asked the FCC to require stronger certification rules for companies that purchase and resell phone numbers, mandate regular reports on number sales and use, require applicants to confirm they will not use numbers for illegal robocalls, block sales to entities not tied to legitimate services, prohibit number cycling, and restrict trial number offerings.

State Senator Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer), who began fighting unsolicited telemarketing calls in 2001, said the problem has persisted for more than 25 years. Her "Do Not Call Act" became law in 2023.

"Illegal robocalls have preyed on some of our most vulnerable residents," Greenstein said. "To create meaningful change, the FCC must acknowledge its role in combating scammers by preventing the misuse of legitimate phone numbers to deceive unsuspecting consumers."

Union County residents who receive scam robocalls can report them to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office. For more information about New Jersey's "Do Not Call" list and consumers' rights, visit the New Jersey Attorney General's website.

Stay informed about Union County consumer alerts and public safety on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What are scammers doing with robocalls?
A: Scammers purchase legitimate phone numbers and use them to make fraudulent robocalls. They often pose as government agencies, banks, or other trusted institutions. In 2025, Americans lost nearly $2 billion to scam robocalls.

Q: How can I identify a scam robocall?
A: Be wary of calls asking for personal information, money, or immediate action. Legitimate companies will not call demanding passwords or credit card numbers. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the organization directly using a number you find independently.

Q: What is New Jersey doing to stop robocalls?
A: New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is co-leading a 49-state coalition asking the FCC to strengthen robocall rules. The coalition filed a request on July 7, 2026, asking the FCC to require stricter certification for phone number resellers, regular reporting on number sales, and restrictions on number cycling and trial number offerings.

Q: What is the "Do Not Call" list?
A: New Jersey's "Do Not Call" Act, which became law in 2023, allows residents to register their phone numbers to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls. However, it does not prevent illegal scam robocalls.

Q: How do I report a scam robocall in New Jersey?
A: Report scam robocalls to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office at (609) 292-4925 or through the Attorney General's website at nj.gov/oag.

Q: What should I do if I've been scammed by a robocall?
A: Report the scam immediately to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office. If money was lost, also contact your bank or credit card company and consider reporting to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Q: Where can I find more information about New Jersey's "Do Not Call" list?
A: Visit nj.gov/donotcall to register your phone number and learn more about your rights. Union County Life covers consumer protection and public safety information for residents.