FTC Expands Rule to Combat Tech Support Scams Targeting Older Americans

New measures target scammers posing as fake tech support hotlines who steal victims’ money or data.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) building in Washington, on Sept. 19, 2006. Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a significant expansion of a rule cracking down on abusive telemarketing practices in a bid to protect older Americans, who are the most common victims of technical support scams.

The FTC announced on Nov. 27 that it approved in a 4–1 vote final modifications to its Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), expanding the rule’s coverage to include inbound calls made to technical support services.