The bottom line: The FCC is implementing new protocols (called STIR/SHAKEN) on June 30, 2021, to combat spam calls. If you use CallRail to make calls, there’s nothing you need to do. Our carriers have updated their systems to ensure your calls will continue uninterrupted. If you’d like more information, keep reading
Sticking it to scammers
Does it seem like you’re receiving more spam calls? You are. The Washington Post called robocalls an “epidemic.” Apparently, the FCC agrees.
In March, they fined Texas-based telemarketers $225 million for transmitting approximately 1 billion robocalls. Many of the calls were spoofed, which the FCC defines as “when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.”
STIR/SHAKEN is another way the FCC is sticking it to spammers and scammers.
What is STIR/SHAKEN?
In effect June 30, 2021, STIR/SHAKEN requires Caller ID authentication — in other words, callers have to be who they say they are. Under the new regulations, tricking consumers to answer calls will no longer be tolerated. They’ll also make it easier for law enforcement to track down offenders.
(Yes, STIR and SHAKEN are acronyms. “STIR” stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited and “SHAKEN” stands for Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs standards. And yes, the name was inspired by James Bond's preferred cocktail.)
How does STIR/SHAKEN classify calls?
STIR protocols establish three levels (or attestation) of call verification. To clarify who’s calling, carriers will assign an attestation to each call that leaves their network:
- Full Attestation: For situations in which a carrier is confident about who’s calling. This will only impact outbound calls. For this level, registration is required.
- Partial Attestation: As a CallRail customer, you’ll have this level by default. While we can’t control what a receiving carrier does, this level means your call shouldn’t be treated as spam.
- Gateway Attestation: This level is for calls considered spam by a carrier.
Will text messaging be affected?
Not yet. STIR/SHAKEN only covers phone calls — for now. Measures that affect text messaging are expected in 2021. We’ll provide updates when they’re available.
What’s the STIR/SHAKEN deadline?
Telephony providers are required to certify in the Robocall Mitigation Database and implement the new protocols by June 30, 2021.
What do you need to do? (spoiler alert: nothing)
If you’re a CallRail customer, there’s nothing you need to do (we’re handing compliance with our carriers). For you, that’s a win-win: you’ll receive less spam, and the calls your business makes will be verified and trusted.
