One thing all of us can agree on today: We're fed up with robocalls. How many times a day must we fend off scammers and spammers trying to sell us fake goods and services, or trying to scare us into handing over our Social Security number? Last year, Americans received a record 48 billion robocalls—that's an average of 1,500 calls every single second. And though certain prerecorded calls provide helpful reminders about upcoming doctors' appointments or the need to vote, most are decidedly unwelcome and untrustworthy.
CR has been in this fight for years, working alongside the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to crack down on robocalls and win restitution for consumers. While we've helped to secure a number of victories along the way, the maddening truth is that the number of calls only continues to soar. This month, we're encouraging you to join with us to tell the FCC to put an end to robocalls once and for all. Meanwhile, we're sharing the best stopgaps against the barrage of these irritating intrusions—including screening tools, blocking apps, and new plans being offered by carriers.
We're also taking a close look at and asking questions about CBD, the widely used cannabis compound that is turning up in more and more products—from lotions and oils to coffee and beer—promising relief from anxiety and pain. CBD may have the potential to deliver many benefits, but only if we have confidence in the products we buy. We want to know, is it safe? Is it labeled accurately? Do these products contain what their labels claim, and are they contaminated with potentially harmful substances? As with many intriguing products that hit the marketplace, consumers need trusted information, such as our ongoing CBD reporting, to stay healthy and safe.
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the May 2019 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
