As a follow up to the July 7, 2022 Public Notice, the Originating Providers associated with the apparently unlawful auto warranty robocall traffic from Roy Cox, Jr., Aaron Michael Jones, their individual associates, and associated entities (collectively, the “Cox/Jones/Sumco Panama Operation”) failed to respond to the FCC’s cease-and-desist letters as required. Today, the Enforcement Bureau released an Order to provide all U.S.-based voice service providers with actual written notice of suspected illegal robocall traffic and direct them to comply with section 64.1200(n)(2) of the Commission’s rules, which requires immediate steps to effectively mitigate suspected illegal robocall traffic made by or on behalf of the Cox/Jones/Sumco Panama Operation.
Investigate & Mitigate
The Bureau directs all U.S.-based voice service providers to investigate promptly the apparently illegal robocall traffic identified in the Order; and if such traffic is located, take immediate steps to effectively mitigate and prevent further transmission of the apparently unlawful calls. The Bureau has determined that a voice service provider may satisfy its effective mitigation obligation if it terminates a customer relationship with the Cox/Jones/Sumco Panama Operation, or, blocks all traffic from the Cox/Jones/Sumco Panama Operation. To assist with meeting this obligation, the Order provides a chart of officers, principals, and other key players in the Cox/Jones/Sumco Panama Operation and the entities involved with the operation (see p. 4). If any voice service provider fails to comply with these obligations and fails to take all necessary steps to avoid carrying suspected illegal robocall traffic made by/on behalf of these individuals and entities, then that voice service provider may be deemed to have knowingly and willfully engaged in transmitting unlawful robocalls.
Partial Waiver of Reporting Obligation
Generally voice service providers are required to submit a report to the Commission documenting their investigation. In this instance, the Bureau partially waives that obligation and clarifies that a voice service provider shall not be required to file a report with the Commission if it terminates a customer relationship with the Cox/Jones/Sumco Panama Operation or blocks all traffic from the Cox/Jones/Sumco Panama Operation and the Originating Providers identified in the Notice. Reports, however, will be required if after investigation the voice service provider does not take such actions and must be submitted within two weeks of this Order. Instructions for report submission can be found in paragraph 12.
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