How to reduce blank calls and fake or long ringing calls from Vicidial?

In the realm of outbound calling systems like Vicidial, maintaining a valid Caller ID is not just a recommendation, it's a necessity. Furthermore, with the evolving regulatory landscape and the growing need for consumer protection, adhering to standards such as STIR/SHAKEN has become indispensable. In this article, we delve into why having a valid Caller ID and implementing STIR/SHAKEN protocols are crucial for businesses operating through Vicidial.

The Significance of Valid Caller ID:

1. Trust and Credibility:

A valid Caller ID instills trust and credibility in outbound calls. When recipients see a recognizable or legitimate number, they are more likely to answer the call. Conversely, calls with ambiguous or spoofed Caller IDs often trigger suspicion or lead to ignored calls, hindering communication and potentially damaging the caller's reputation.

2. Compliance with Regulations:

Many jurisdictions mandate the use of valid Caller IDs for outbound calls. Regulatory bodies impose fines and penalties for organizations found violating these rules. In the United States, for instance, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforces regulations governing Caller ID authentication to protect consumers from fraudulent activities.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience:

From the recipient's perspective, receiving calls from verified numbers enhances the overall customer experience. It reduces the likelihood of receiving spam or scam calls, fostering a positive relationship between businesses and customers. Valid Caller IDs also facilitate call-backs, ensuring seamless communication between parties.

4. Legal Obligations:

Businesses have legal obligations to ensure transparency in their communications. Using a valid Caller ID aligns with ethical business practices and regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with these standards can result in legal repercussions and damage to the organization's reputation.

FTC-Block Random and Wireless CLIs:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States maintains a list of numbers that are prohibited from being used as Caller IDs for outbound calls. This list includes random or spoofed numbers, as well as numbers associated with certain industries or services, such as healthcare or financial institutions. By blocking random and wireless Caller IDs, the FTC aims to reduce instances of fraud and protect consumers from deceptive practices.

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN Protocols:

STIR/SHAKEN (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using Tokens) is a framework designed to combat Caller ID spoofing and enhance the security of voice communications. By digitally signing outbound calls with a valid Digital Identity Document (DID), STIR/SHAKEN enables carriers to authenticate Caller IDs and verify the legitimacy of incoming calls.

1. Prevention of Spoofing:

STIR/SHAKEN protocols prevent malicious actors from spoofing Caller IDs by providing a mechanism for call authentication. By digitally signing outbound calls with a valid DID, carriers can verify the legitimacy of the Caller ID and mitigate the risk of spoofed calls reaching consumers.

2. Compliance with Regulations:

Regulatory bodies, including the FCC, advocate for the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN protocols to combat Caller ID spoofing and protect consumers from fraudulent activities. Carriers and service providers are increasingly required to adopt STIR/SHAKEN standards to ensure compliance with regulatory mandates.

3. Enhanced Security:

STIR/SHAKEN enhances the security of voice communications by enabling carriers to authenticate Caller IDs and verify the legitimacy of incoming calls. By implementing robust cryptographic techniques, STIR/SHAKEN protocols protect against unauthorized tampering or modification of call data.

In conclusion, maintaining a valid Caller ID and implementing STIR/SHAKEN protocols are essential for businesses operating through Vicidial and other outbound calling systems. Not only do these practices enhance trust, credibility, and customer experience, but they also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and protect consumers from fraudulent activities. By adhering to these standards, businesses can foster transparency, security, and integrity in their communications, thereby building stronger relationships with their customers and stakeholders.

Reduce Blank Calls and Long ringing calls from Vicidial