FCC Fee Collection Continues in Shutdown, Lawyer Blogs
Legitimate collection calls for FCC fees are still being made to broadcasters during the shutdown, under the auspices of the Treasury Department, blogged Pillsbury Winthrop broadcast attorney Scott Flick Tuesday. Flick had raised concerns about phone scammers taking advantage of…
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the shutdown (see 1901070046) but discovered that an apparently legitimate collection effort overseen by Treasury is being funded, he said. Broadcasters should remain cautious about scam calls, especially because outstanding fees can’t be checked on the FCC’s fee filer and red light databases during the shutdown, Flick said. “If you aren’t aware of any outstanding payment due, you may want to wait until the FCC reopens and the debt can be confirmed before sending any payment.” He said legitimate callers from Treasury won’t ask for payment in gift cards, and should oblige requests to send documentation of the debt, such as Form 159B. Nonpayment of FCC fees can lead to debts being forwarded to actual collection agencies and holds on FCC applications, Flick said. The FCC and Treasury Department didn't comment.