Earlier this year, an AI-powered fake voice recording of President Biden reached New Hampshire voters. The FCC swiftly fought back, identifying the culprit as Texas-based Life Corporation, which had been running similar scams for years, and fined the company and its associates $6 million. But the scammers also had the help of a gamey, shape-shifting telecommunications company that has engaged in shady activity before. Now known as Lingo Telecom (aka Ameritel, Excel, Impact, Startec, Trinsic, and others), the company agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty and make sure it followed the rules this time.
Telecommunications companies like Apple must not facilitate fraud by providing service to unscrupulous carriers. “Communications service providers are the first line of defense against these threats, and they will be held accountable,” said FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel.