Two GOP senators want answers on robocall scam that received largest-ever fine

Two senators are pushing a robocaller to explain how he ran his operation, which was subject to the largest-ever fine handed down on the matter by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John ThuneJohn Randolph ThuneTrump's controversial Fed nominee stalled after Senate setback Shelton's Fed nomination on knife's edge amid coronavirus-fueled absences We need a (common) 'sense of the Senate' resolution on transition planning MORE (R-S.D.) and Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection Jerry MoranGerald (Jerry) MoranIt's time for Congress to act: Save jobs and stabilize the aerospace industry Lobbying world This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's recommit to protecting the lives of our veterans MORE (R-Kan.) sent a letter to Adrian Abramovich on Wednesday, asking him to explain how his robocalling operation worked and what he’s doing to mitigate any harm he may have caused.

In June, the FCC fined Abramovich $122 million for his robocall company, which allegedly conducted almost 100 million illegal automated calls attempting to lure individuals into buying vacation packages and timeshares.

To whom Abramovich directed the calls is unclear, but robocall scams often target vulnerable groups like the elderly who may not be aware of what they’re agreeing to. The FCC said Abramovich’s calls were uniquely problematic because they “disrupted the operations of an emergency medical paging provider.”

In Thune and Moran’s letter, they pressed Abramovich to explain how he started making robocalls, a record of all robocalls his business made and relationships he or his businesses had with third-party contractors.

Thune suggested that the FCC’s actions on the matter may help him and other lawmakers in taking action against robocallers in the future.

“For lawmakers, the FCC’s identification of an alleged spoofing mastermind offers the opportunity to learn specific information about operations, partners, and the business model, which may provide valuable insight for future legislation,” Thune said.

— Harper Neidig contributed to this report.