Technology
FCC robocall crackdown could change phone privacy
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Robocalls are the phone version of stepping on a Lego barefoot. You know the pain. Your phone buzzes during dinner, during a meeting or right when you finally sit down. Then a fake bank alert, Medicare scam or “urgent” car warranty pitch tries to hijack your day.
So when the Federal Communications Commission says it wants to crack down on illegal robocalls, most people will probably say, “Finally.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a recent press release, “We must bring meaningful robocall relief to consumers.” A few days later, the FCC said stopping illegal calls remains its top consumer protection priority.
The agency has reason to be aggressive. Late last year, a report from the consumer advocacy group U.S. PIRG Education Fund found that Americans had received 2.14 billion robocalls per month in 2024. That works out to only a handful per person on average, but robocalls do not hit everyone evenly. Some Americans can get hit with dozens of spam calls in a single day.
Still, the FCC’s proposed fix raises a new question. Could the fight against robocalls also make it harder to get a phone without having to hand over more personal information?
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FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE
The FCC wants phone companies to do more to stop illegal robocalls before they ever reach your phone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the FCC robocall rules would change
Last month, the FCC voted to seek public comment on stronger “Know Your Customer” rules for voice service providers. These rules are not final yet. The FCC is still gathering feedback, including privacy concerns. Under the proposal, phone providers may have to collect more information from new and renewing customers before giving them access to service. That could include a full legal name, physical address, government ID and an existing phone number.
For higher-volume customers, the FCC is also looking at additional checks. Providers may need to review how the customer plans to use the service and whether other details look suspicious. The goal is to stop bad actors before they can flood phone networks with illegal calls.
That sounds reasonable when you picture a scam call center blasting thousands of fake alerts. However, the privacy concern starts when you think about everyday people who rely on prepaid phones, temporary numbers or more private ways to communicate.
Why burner phones could be affected by the FCC proposal
Burner phones have a shady reputation because TV shows love to put them in the hands of criminals. In real life, though, prepaid phones can serve people who need flexibility or safety. Someone leaving an abusive relationship may need a phone that isn’t connected to a shared family account. A person without stable housing may not have a traditional physical address. A journalist source, whistleblower or privacy-conscious consumer may also prefer a phone number that isn’t tied to every part of their identity.
Civil liberties advocates warn that the FCC proposal could create a broader identity-verification system around one of the last semi-anonymous communication tools available to ordinary Americans.
That does not mean the FCC is trying to ban burner phones outright. Still, if phone providers must collect more identity details before activating or renewing service, anonymous or semi-anonymous phone access could become much harder to get.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
New proposed rules could require carriers to collect more customer information before activating or renewing service. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
FCC robocall red flags that could trigger scrutiny
The FCC proposal also discusses risk-based checks. That means certain customer details or behaviors could trigger a deeper review.
Possible red flags may reportedly include using a virtual office, using certain commercial addresses, operating a suspicious website or using an email address that raises concerns.
Other red flags could include not being traceable to the state listed in the customer’s address or paying for phone service with cryptocurrency.
That may help carriers spot scam operations. But it also raises a tricky question. What happens when a legitimate person gets flagged because their life does not fit neatly into a standard form?
A person using a shelter address, mail service or privacy-focused payment method could face more questions. The rules may be aimed at robocallers, yet the burden could land on people who already have a hard time proving who they are.
Why phone companies may get strict fast
The proposed enforcement system could put serious pressure on telecom providers. The FCC proposal reportedly includes a possible $2,500 per-call base forfeiture for Know Your Customer violations.
That is a big incentive for providers to be careful. It may also make them overcorrect. If a provider thinks a customer looks risky, it may decide that denying service is safer than getting blamed later. For consumers, that could mean more ID checks, more account reviews and more hoops to jump through when signing up for phone service.
The FCC argues that, as the gateway to the phone network, carriers are in the best position to stop scammers before calls go out. The concern is whether that gate becomes too hard for ordinary people to pass through.
What the FCC robocall proposal means to you
For now, nothing changes overnight. These rules are still proposed. The FCC is asking for public comment, and any final rules would come later.
Still, this proposal points to where phone service may be heading. Carriers may collect more identity information. Prepaid service may become less private. Some customers may face more questions when they open or renew an account.
That could bring fewer scam calls. It could also mean less anonymity for people who have legitimate reasons to keep a phone number separate from the rest of their life.
ANDROID SECURITY UPGRADES OUTSMART SCAMS AND PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
Spam call tools can help, but stricter phone rules may also raise new privacy questions for everyday users. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tips to stay safe from robocalls
You do not need to wait for regulators to act. You can lower your risk right now.
1) Let unknown calls go to voicemail
If you do not recognize the number, let it ring. Scammers often rely on panic. A real caller can leave a message.
2) Turn on your phone’s spam protection
On iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone. Look for Screen Unknown Callers and choose Ask Reason for Calling. This screens calls from unsaved numbers before your phone rings, so you can decide whether to answer.
If spam calls are overwhelming, you can choose Silence instead. Just be aware that calls from people not in your contacts may go straight to voicemail. That could include a doctor’s office, school, delivery driver or other legitimate caller.
You can also check Call Filtering and turn on available carrier spam-filtering options. For example, AT&T may show a Spam toggle that says calls identified as spam or fraud will be silenced, sent to voicemail and moved to the spam list. Other carriers may use different wording or place this option in a carrier app.
On a Samsung phone, open the Phone app > tap the three dots in the upper-right corner > Settings > Caller ID and spam protection > turn on Caller ID and spam protection. Then tap Block spam and scam calls and choose the blocking level that works best for you, such as blocking all spam and scam calls or only high-risk scam calls. Menu wording may vary by carrier, region and whether your phone uses Samsung Phone or Phone by Google.
3) Use your carrier’s call-blocking tools
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and other carriers offer spam call blocking features. Some are free, while others require a paid plan. Check your carrier app for call protection settings.
4) Use a data removal service
Scammers can pull your phone number, address and other personal details from data broker and people-search sites. That information can make robocalls sound more believable. A data removal service can help remove your personal information from many of these sites, and keep checking if it shows up again. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan at CyberGuy.com/FreeScan
5) Do not press buttons during a scam call
A robocall may tell you to press a number to stop future calls. That can confirm your number is active. Hang up instead.
6) Never give out codes or account details
A scammer may pretend to be your bank, carrier or a government agency. Do not share one-time passcodes, Social Security numbers or payment details over an unexpected call.
7) Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Register your number for free with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. The registry will not stop criminals, but it can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls. That makes scam calls easier to spot.
8) Report suspicious calls
You can report unwanted calls at donotcall.gov/report.html or file a complaint with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us. Reports help regulators track patterns and target bad actors.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Robocalls are more than annoying. They waste time, steal money and make people think twice before answering their own phones. So yes, stronger action is needed. But privacy has to be part of the conversation. The FCC’s proposal is aimed at scam call operations, but the final rules should not make it harder for everyday people to get a private or low-cost phone when they need one. That’s the balance regulators have to get right. They need to make life harder for robocallers without turning every phone customer into a suspect. Phone service connects people to jobs, doctors, family, schools and emergency help. Any crackdown should protect that access while still going after the bad actors abusing the system.
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Would you be willing to show more ID to get phone service if it meant fewer robocalls, or does that feel like too much privacy to give up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
We’re retiring our oldest plans, some of which were built nearly 15 years ago – in the 3G and 4G eras, and well before our 5G network was fully deployed. Customers will transition to modern plans that provide access to America’s best wireless technology, enhanced features and a 5-year price guarantee for peace of mind. Some customers will see no change to their monthly bill, while some will see a modest adjustment. Every customer moved to a new plan will keep their current benefits while gaining improvements in network and service experiences.
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Buying a hunting or fishing license should feel like one of the safest things you do online. You pick the license, pay for it and get ready for your next trip outdoors. But now, a cyberattack tied to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has put personal information for more than three million license customers at risk.
The agency says the attack hit a vendor that handles the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Texas Cyber Command detected the incident, and the state says an unauthorized actor may have obtained personal data from customer profiles. That is the part that should get your attention. Even when credit card numbers and Social Security numbers are spared, your license details, phone number and home address can still give scammers a lot to work with.
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FBI WARNS MICROSOFT USERS ABOUT PASSWORDLESS SCAM
Millions of Texas hunting and fishing license holders are being urged to monitor their accounts after a vendor cyberattack exposed sensitive personal data. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Imo/Photothek via Getty Images)
What happened in the Texas Parks and Wildlife data breach
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says its license system vendor was hit by a cybersecurity incident.
The agency says the investigation found that an unauthorized actor may have obtained data tied to 3,087,721 Texas hunting and fishing license customers.
TPWD did not identify the vendor in its public notice. However, it says it has strengthened access controls for customer profile data and plans to add more security features.
In other words, this involved a state license system connected to millions of people.
What information may have been exposed
TPWD says the exposed information may include:
- Driver license information
- Passport numbers, if provided
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Residential addresses
That mix of data can help criminals sound convincing. A scammer who knows your name, phone number, home address and license-related details can make a fake call or email feel very personal.
The agency says Social Security numbers, dates of birth and financial information, including credit card details, were not obtained. TPWD also says there is no evidence that customers under 18 were involved or that any specific group was targeted.
Still, this breach should not be brushed off. Driver license information and passport numbers can create serious problems if they fall into the wrong hands.
Why this breach can still put you at risk
You might hear that hackers did not get credit card numbers and breathe a sigh of relief. I get that. But scammers do not always need your full financial file to cause trouble. Personal details can help them impersonate a state agency, a license vendor or even a bank. One message may claim there is a problem with your license account. Another may ask you to “verify” your identity. A fake link can also look official enough to trick someone who is moving fast.
That is where this kind of breach gets dangerous. The more a scammer knows about you, the easier it becomes to lower your guard. A fake message that includes accurate personal details can feel legitimate, especially if it shows up right after a public breach.
What Texas Parks and Wildlife says it has done
TPWD says immediate steps were taken to strengthen access controls for customer profile data. The agency also says it is working with the license system vendor to add more safeguards and enhanced monitoring.
In a statement to CyberGuy, TPWD said, “We recognize the seriousness of this issue and have identified and implemented additional security options to better protect customer information. Many of our staff are hunters and anglers and were affected by this incident. We are committed to working with the license system vendor to implement increased safeguards.”
Fishing guide Mike McBride of Port Mansfield, Texas, adds a third fish to his catch of redfish in the Lower Laguna Madre. (Bob Hood/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
TPWD also said license sales will continue on schedule for August and the next license year, adding that it believes “current and future customer data are not at risk.”
That means customers should be able to buy hunting and fishing licenses as planned while the state works through the fallout from the breach.
Who should take action now
If you bought a Texas hunting or fishing license, use this breach as a reason to check your accounts and tighten your identity protections.
Affected customers can confirm eligibility for one year of free credit monitoring by calling the dedicated response line at 844-959-7123.
The enrollment deadline is Sept. 14, 2026. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT.
Do not wait for a suspicious charge or strange letter to show up. Breach cleanup works best when you act before someone tries to use your information.
How to protect yourself after the Texas Parks and Wildlife data breach
If you bought a Texas hunting or fishing license, these steps can help you reduce your risk and spot suspicious activity early.
1) Sign up for credit monitoring or consider identity theft protection
If you are eligible, sign up for the free credit monitoring before September 14, 2026. Credit monitoring can alert you when new credit activity appears in your name. It will not stop every type of identity fraud, but it can give you an early warning. If you were not affected by this breach, now is still a good time to consider identity theft protection. These services can help monitor your personal information, alert you to suspicious activity and guide you if someone tries to use your identity. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com
2) Freeze your credit
A credit freeze is one of the strongest moves you can make after a breach. It makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You need to freeze your credit separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free. You can also lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit.
EMPTY ENVELOPES IN YOUR MAILBOX? DO NOT SCAN THAT CODE
Texas officials say a vendor breach may have exposed driver’s license information, passport numbers and contact details, but not Social Security numbers or payment information. (Photo by Philip Dulian/picture alliance via Getty Images)
3) Add a fraud alert
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before opening new credit in your name. You can place a free one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the major credit bureaus. That bureau should notify the other two. This is a good option if you want extra protection but are not ready to freeze your credit.
4) Report identity theft if something looks wrong
If you see signs that someone used your information, report it right away. That could include new accounts you did not open, strange letters about benefits, unfamiliar bills or credit checks you do not recognize. The FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov can help you create a recovery plan based on what happened.
5) Remove your personal information from people-search sites
Your name, address and phone number may already appear on data broker sites. A breach can make that exposure feel even more personal. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information appears online. You can also manually request removal from major people-search sites. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
6) Watch for driver’s license misuse
Because driver’s license information may have been exposed, pay close attention to anything tied to your ID. That includes notices about duplicate licenses, address changes, traffic issues, government benefits or accounts you did not request. If something feels off, contact the proper agency directly. Do not use a phone number or link from a surprise message.
7) Be careful with passport-related scams
If you provided a passport number, be extra cautious with calls or emails that claim there is a problem with your passport or travel documents. Do not give out personal information to someone who contacts you first. Go directly to the official agency website or call a verified number instead.
8) Watch for fake TPWD messages
Scammers may use this breach as bait. Be careful with any email, text or call that claims to come from Texas Parks and Wildlife, a license vendor or a credit monitoring service. Do not click links from surprise messages. Go directly to the official website or call the dedicated response line instead.
9) Use strong antivirus software
Scammers may use this breach to send fake emails, texts or links that look official. Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, detect phishing attempts and warn you before you download something dangerous. Keep it updated on your phone, tablet and computer so it can catch newer threats. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
10) Do not share verification codes
If someone calls and asks for a code sent to your phone or email, stop. That is a major red flag. Scammers use those codes to get into accounts. No legitimate support agent should pressure you to hand one over.
11) Check your financial accounts
Even though TPWD says financial information was not obtained, you should still review your bank and credit card statements. Look for small test charges, unfamiliar subscriptions or anything that seems off. Report suspicious activity right away.
12) Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
This breach does not appear to involve passwords, but scammers may use exposed personal details to target your other accounts. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for important accounts, especially email, banking and shopping accounts.
WORLD CUP TICKET SCAMS TARGET DESPERATE FANS
A cyberattack tied to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department vendor may have exposed the personal information of more than 3 million hunting and fishing license customers. (Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
This breach is a reminder that everyday government transactions can carry a lot of personal data behind the scenes. You may think of a hunting or fishing license as a routine purchase. But the information connected to that purchase can include driver’s license details, passport numbers, phone numbers and your home address. That gives imposters enough context to make a scam sound believable. The best move now is to stay ahead of it. Use the official response line, sign up for monitoring if you qualify, freeze your credit and be extra careful with any surprise message about your license or identity. The vendor may have been the target, but Texans are the ones left watching their information.
Should state agencies be required to publicly name vendors after a breach this large, or would that make future investigations harder? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
First announced over a year ago in April 2025, the Busy Bar will be available for purchase starting on July 14th when the device also starts shipping. Created by the same team behind the Flipper Zero wireless multitool, the Busy Bar is instead described as a “productivity multitool” that relies on a pixelated LED display to help reduce distractions and improve focus. The first 3,000 units purchased on July 14th will be discounted to $199, but the Busy Bar will normally retail for $249. Those who previously joined the Busy Bar waitlist will still be able to purchase one next month for $179.
The Busy Bar looks a lot like an alarm clock, but it’s designed to be used on a desk, perched atop a monitor or cubicle wall, or mounted to a wall or door. When installed in a place where it’s visible to coworkers, family, or roommates, the Busy Bar serves as a status display letting others know when you’re focusing on a task and shouldn’t be distracted.
At the push of a button, the Busy Bar will display a highly visible status message on its 72 x 16 LED pixelated screen that can include a countdown timer so potential distractors know when you’ll be available again. Alongside the status display, the Busy Bar can start a Pomodoro timer and mute notifications on other devices. The Busy Mode can be set to automatically activate through custom triggers, including when you join a phone call, start streaming, begin recording audio, or just open a specific app. It’s also Matter-compatible, allowing it to trigger smart home automations when you need to focus, such as dimming lights or playing music on a speaker.
Flipper Devices has created an open API for the Busy Bar so developers can create their own third-party apps to expand its usefulness and capabilities. You can potentially tie it into an office’s scheduling system to indicate when meeting rooms are booked or available, for example. There will also be accompanying apps available for the device on iOS, Android, macOS, and watchOS, with a native Windows app planned for later this year.
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