FCC Requests Comment on Internet TRS Fraud

Following is a press release from the FCC on the subject of Internet TRS (Telecommunications Relay Service) Internet Protocol Relay Service and Video Relay Service Fraud.

Washington

,

DC

— The FCC has opened a proceeding requesting comment on ways to curtail the abuse of the two Internet-based forms of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) — Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service and Video Relay Service (VRS).  Such misuse, including, using IP Relay to make telephone purchases from merchants using stolen, fake, or otherwise invalid credit cards, or improperly using VRS as a substitute for in-person interpreters, results in

improper compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund.

            Although calls that reach relay centers via the Internet contain no calling party number or location information, TRS providers and their employees who process IP Relay calls can often identify wasteful calls. The Commission asked for comments on additional steps it might take to prevent misuse. It also asked whether it should adopt rules to guide the discretion of TRS providers in determining whether a call is illegitimate. 

            Action by the Commission May 3, 2006, by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 06-58). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein and Tate. 

– FCC –

CG Docket No. 03-123

CGB Contact: Thomas Chandler at (202) 418-1475 (voice); (202) 418-0597 (TTY).

Download the PDF here.