FTC Awards $50k In Prizes To Cut Off Exasperating Robocalls 216
coondoggie writes "The Federal Trade Commission today said it picked two winners out of nearly 800 entries for its $50,000 Robocall Challenge which dared technologists to come up with an innovative way of blocking the mostly illegal but abundant calls. According to the FTC, Serdar Danis and Aaron Foss will each receive $25,000 for their proposals, which both use software to intercept and filter out illegal prerecorded calls using technology to 'blacklist' robocaller phone numbers and 'whitelist' numbers associated with acceptable incoming calls." Can't wait until Symantec, Kaspersky, etc. sell competing anti-spammer packages for phones.
Re:Where's that checklist when I need it (Score:3, Funny)
Your proposed solution will not stop robocalls because you are not using a host file
FTFY
Pfffff 50k? (Score:5, Funny)
I just got a call from this lady who said I could make at LEAST that much EVERY WEEK all at home using my computer. I even get to go on a cruise for a small deposit.
Re:I know ... (Score:5, Funny)
Dear gstoddart,
Thank our lucky stars we've found you on Slashdot! We have tried to contact you by cell and land phoneline both work, and at home and each time without successful. We have only one chance left to you respond or forever your loss. Please text OKYAGOOD to #3832 to claim free cruise or to #2231 to lower your credit rating!
PS: We have noticed your email is full of virus and we can help you clean that out. Text STOPSPAM to #2002 for reply.
Sincerely,
Hazel from Rhodesia