The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an order directing voice service providers to block One Eye, a global gateway provider, citing its involvement in facilitating robocall scams. Acting as an “on-ramp” to U.S. phone networks from outside the country, One Eye allegedly enabled fraudulent activities such as impersonating major financial institutions and placing calls regarding fictitious “preauthorized orders” in consumers’ names. The FCC, under the Biden administration, has made combatting robocalls a priority, and this latest action reinforces its commitment to cracking down on entities that aid scammers.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated, “This company – what’s left of it – will now have a place in robocall history. We can and will continue to shut off providers that help scammers.” The FCC’s decision represents the culmination of a series of escalating measures aimed at stopping One Eye from facilitating deceptive robocall campaigns. Initially, the agency cited One Eye’s predecessor, PZ/Illum Telecommunication, for transmitting illegal robocalls. Subsequently, in a cease-and-desist letter issued in February, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau cautioned One Eye that its rebranding would not absolve it from facing consequences, warning that non-compliance would result in a permanent block. Concurrently, the FCC alerted U.S. voice providers about One Eye’s activities. Finally, in April, the FCC sent an “initial determination order” as another step toward the ultimate block that was imposed today.
