AI-powered phony audio of President Biden was distributed to New Hampshire voters at the beginning of this year. The FCC retaliated quickly, identifying the culprit as the Texas-based Life Corporation, which has been involved in scams of a similar nature in the past, and fining them and a related person $6 million. However, the con artists also recruited a game-changing telecom that has been connected to dubious activities in the past. Lingo Telecom, as it is currently known (also known as Ameritel, Excel, Impact, Startec, Trinsic, etc.), has now agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty and to abide by the laws going forward.
By offering their services to known dishonest operators, telecoms such as Lingo are not allowed to encourage scams. According to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, "communications service providers are the first line of defense against these threats and will be held accountable."