Lawmaker files anti-fraud legislation to tackle text message-based scams

By The Star Staff

Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera, who chairs the Consumer Affairs Committee in the lower chamber, filed House Bill 632 over the weekend, with which he seeks to “put a stop to the endless scams that are born through text messages, sent by hundreds of unauthorized companies or businesses and that include suspicious links that are very difficult to verify.”

The measure establishes that only duly registered companies will be able to send messages to consumers and that such messages must be limited to informative texts, without including purchase links or requests for personal data.

“Any communication that requires action, on the part of the customer, must be channeled through secure and recognizable means,” the District 14 (Arecibo and Hatillo) legislator said. “Recently, many people have received messages with suspicious links, sent by unauthorized companies or businesses, and it is not always possible for them to verify their authenticity. This situation must be stopped to protect citizens from falling prey to these scams.”

The bill also proposes that an official list of companies authorized to send the aforementioned messages be created. In addition, it requires the most sensitive services, such as banking or government, to use two-step verification to protect information.

“Companies that do not comply with these rules will be fined,” he stressed.

Likewise, the bill establishes that telephone companies must install filters that block “malicious messages” before they reach phones. Guidance campaigns will also be promoted, especially those aimed at the elderly and others with less experience with technology.

The legislation seeks to strengthen the digital security of citizens, protect their information and prevent them from continuing to be victimized by scams perpetrated through mobile phones.