Concerns over the rise of robocalls and phone scams took center stage at the Collin County Commissioners Court meeting on May 12, 2025. A local resident raised awareness about the "Stop Bad Robocalls Act," a significant piece of legislation aimed at combating the surge of fraudulent calls that have plagued citizens.
The resident highlighted the alarming statistics from 2019, where over 47 billion robocalls were reported nationwide, a staggering increase from previous years. The bill, which passed the House with overwhelming support in July 2019, aims to address these issues but notably excluded schools from its provisions. This exclusion has raised concerns among local educators and parents, particularly regarding the impact of spoofed calls that can lead to bullying and misinformation.
In a conversation with Wylie ISD officials, the resident learned that the district had also been affected by spoofing incidents, where calls appeared to come from the school but were actually fraudulent. Assistant Superintendent Scott Wynne and Executive Director Anne Harpryn acknowledged the issue and expressed gratitude for the community's vigilance.
The resident urged the Commissioners Court to advocate for new legislation that would include schools in the fight against spoofing, emphasizing the need for protective measures for students across all educational levels. As patterns of spoof calls resurface in the community, the resident plans to report these incidents to the Collin County Sheriff's Department, highlighting the ongoing battle against this deceptive practice.
The discussion underscores the critical need for legislative action to protect citizens, especially vulnerable populations like students, from the dangers of robocalls and phone scams. The community's call for change reflects a growing awareness and demand for accountability in the fight against these fraudulent activities.