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If you're streaming the Super Bowl, expect to lag behind Twitter and cable
If you're streaming the Super Bowl, expect to lag behind Twitter and cable
The 2022 Super Bowl is taking place in the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but that doesn't mean the broadcasts or streams will be any more advanced than in recent years. NBC, the broadcaster for Super Bowl 56, has already said it won't be airing the big game in 4K resolution. And people who are watching the Super Bowl live through a streaming service are likely to experience a lag, just like in 2020 and 2021.
If you're planning to stream the big game through Peacock, YouTube TV, Sling TV or any of the other live TV platforms, expect your feed to be a bit behind. The length of the delay could vary, but based on last year's game, streaming services lag around 40 seconds behind what's on the field. Compare that to cable, satellite or antenna TV, where the time gap from on-the-field action is significantly less. It's usually a transmission delay of about 5 seconds, which allows for broadcasters to prevent unsavory content from appearing on TV.
In an era with Twitter, group chats and phone push notifications, a 40-second streaming delay can lead to spoilers of big plays. And with the increase in legalized sports gambling, it could also ruin the experience of trying to bet on the action.
This chart from last year's Super Bowl shows the delay behind the real-time play streaming services.
Phenix
Phenix, a technology company that provides the infrastructure for real-time video feeds, compared the streaming lags on apps from the NFL, Yahoo Sports, FuboTV, Hulu Plus Live TV, CBS Sports and YouTube TV. It found that last year's game (which aired on CBS) streamed fastest on YouTube TV with a delay of 42.2 seconds -- but that was only slightly quicker than the roughly 43-second delay from the NFL and Yahoo Sports apps. FuboTV came in at 44.8 seconds, while Hulu Plus Live TV finished last at 46.2 seconds. (Verizon offered an in-arena feed which was closest to real-time, but for 2022 that experience is limited to those in SoFi Stadium.)
The issue isn't internet speed but latency, that is, the time it takes to transfer what's happening in the real world back to your screen over the internet. Some streamers also tack on a few seconds to ensure a clear picture and smooth experience rather than generate pauses and buffering on your end.
NBC is the broadcaster for 2022's Super Bowl, but don't expect its own streams to be closer to real-time. Based on the company's feeds from the 2021 Stanley Cup, Phenix found that YouTube TV and AT&T TV (now DirecTV Stream) were still around 40 seconds behind the on-ice action, while Peacock lagged by 42.1 seconds.
The 2021 Stanley Cup, which was broadcast by NBC, wasn't much better than last year's Super Bowl.
Phenix
NBC did not respond to CNET's request for comment. We can't say whether the company is planning to make any improvements to latency in the feeds offered on Peacock or other streaming TV services for the 2022 Super Bowl.
In short, even in 2022, the best and fastest way to watch the Super Bowl is through cable, satellite or antenna TV. If you're planning to stream the game, be prepared for a delay, though there are still some steps you can take to bolster your network to avoid buffering and dropouts on game day.
Top reasons the irs could flag your social security top reasons the irs could flag your credit top reasons the irs could flag your ssn top reasons the irs could flag your email top reasons the irs could be on the verge top theatre schools top reasons the civil war top reasons for divorce top reasons employees leave top reasons people divorce top reasons not to get covid vaccine top reasons for abortion
Top Reasons the IRS Could Flag Your Tax Return
Top Reasons the IRS Could Flag Your Tax Return
This story is part of Taxes 2022, CNET's coverage of the best tax software and everything else you need to get your return filed quickly, accurately and on-time.
According to the IRS website, an audit is simply a review of accounts and financial information "to ensure information is reported correctly according to the tax laws and to verify the reported amount of tax is correct."
But many taxpayers live in fear of being audited or receiving any sort of feedback from the IRS other than a confirmation (or refund). Audits can be triggered at random, but certain kinds of taxpayers -- and certain behaviors -- are more likely to raise red flags with the agency.
Below, we've spoken with tax experts about the chief mistakes people make that generate more scrutiny from the IRS. We'll also explain what you can do to avoid making errors and how far back into your records the agency will look.
1. You have missing or mismatched paperwork
"There's no one single thing that automatically triggers an audit," said Jo Willetts, director of tax resources at Jackson Hewitt, "but mismatched documentation is the most common reason why you'll get a letter from the IRS."
It can be as simple as a missing form, she said, "and often it happens to people who rush around at the last minute."
Last year the federal government offered a variety of financial support programs to offset the economic effects of the pandemic, notably the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, a third stimulus check and the American opportunity tax credit, which allows you to claim up to $2,500 in education expenses.
But you have to show you legitimately qualified for these benefits, Willetts told CNET.
"If, last year, you claimed no child tax credit and this year you claimed three kids and they're not babies, it's going to trigger a letter from the IRS," she said.
That doesn't mean you're always in the wrong: You might have had a child in May 2021, and the IRS is working off information it has on you from 2020.
While the EITC is aimed at lower-income households, taxpayers who claim it are among the most likely to be audited, accounting for nearly 31% of all audits over the past 10 years, according to a 2021 report from the US Treasury Department (PDF).
That's because fraud is so rampant, according to the IRS: Some $16 billion, or 23.5% of EITC payments, were improperly paid in fiscal year 2020.
2. You made a mistake with the math or data entry
While simple math errors won't usually trigger a full-blown examination by the IRS, they will garner an extra look and slow down the completion of your return, even if the error is in the IRS' favor.
So can entering your Social Security number wrong, transposing the numbers on your address and other boneheaded blunders.
Filing electronically cuts down on these foul-ups by pulling a lot of information from previous returns and letting you load your W-2s or 1099s directly into the system.
Using a professional tax preparer is also a good bulwark against mistakes and miscalculations.
3. You're self-employed
"If you work for yourself and have legitimate business expenses, you should feel empowered to take them," said Lisa Greene-Lewis, a TurboTax tax expert. "Just make sure you have receipts and documentation to back it up."
If you claim the home-office deduction, it has to be a space used "exclusively and regularly for your trade or business" -- not the dining-room table.
If you claim transportation expenses, you'll need documentation of the mileage used for work: If you deduct 100% of your personal vehicle as a business expense, it's going to raise a flag.
The largest percentage of Americans who are audited make over $1 million.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Being diligent is especially true when deducting business meals, Greene-Lewis added.
In the past, they were only 50% deductible -- now you can now claim 100% of the cost of a business meal, "but you have to document who you are with, what the purpose of the meeting was, the date of the meal, and so on," Greene-Lewis said.
"And of course, keep your receipts," she added.
Read more: Best Tax Software for Freelancers, Gig Workers and Self-Employed
4. You make a lot of money, or no money at all
Higher-income taxpayers are more likely to be reviewed, said Willetts, "but we're talking less than 1% of the total population."
According to the IRS, 2.53% of those earning between $1 million and $10 million were audited in 2015, and 8.1% of Americans who made $10 million or more were.
That compares to less than 1% for all the income brackets under $1 million that year.
The one exception was those declaring "no positive income," 4.47% of whom were audited. A negative income could be the result of capital losses or declared business expenses, which the IRS will want to scrutinize.
You're in the safest position if your total household income is between $25,000 and $200,000, according to the agency. Those taxpayers were audited the least.
5. You claim too many business expenses or losses
You are required to file a Schedule C form if you have business income, but it complicates your return and can make you more likely to be contacted by the IRS.
Greene-Lewis encourages taxpayers to claim every deduction they're legitimately entitled to. But, she adds, you have to be extremely diligent in justifying those deductions, providing details and supporting paperwork.
The IRS' computer system is looking for deductions that are outside the norm for people in your profession.
Angela Lang/CNET
By and large, the IRS algorithm is looking for deductions that are outside the norm for people in your profession: If you're a patent attorney but your travel expenses are three times what other patent attorneys claim, it could lead to closer inspection.
And If you've taken a loss on your business for several years in a row, the IRS might want to make sure your business is above board.
According to Thomas Scott, a tax partner at Aprio, small business owners who keep sloppy records often make "frivolous business deductions."
"When the business owner makes up expenses and deductions, they tend to stick out," Scott told CNET. "Under an audit, the IRS will require support and proof of deductions and if not provided these deductions will be disallowed."
On a similar note, Scott added, "businesses that try to take incentives and credits that they don't qualify for may cause a red flag."
6. Your charitable deductions are outsized
If you itemize your deductions, you can claim cash donations to recognized charities -- as well as the value of a donated car, clothes or other property. But the IRS notices if these donations "seem out of whack with your income," says Greene-Lewis. The agency's computer system, called Discriminant Information Function, continuously scans tax returns for anomalies.
"If you say your salary was $50,000 last year, but you claimed a charitable deduction that's, like, half your income, it's going to catch their eye," Greene-Lewis told CNET.
For the 2021 tax year, the IRS actually suspended the typical limits on charitable contributions: Individuals are allowed to deduct charitable contributions worth up to 100% of their adjusted gross income.
But doing so is likely to draw scrutiny, so you better have all your paperwork in order.
7. You have undeclared income
This is the big one: Employers are required to file a W-2 with the IRS that reflects your earnings, or 1099s in the case of freelancers and contractors who earn more than $600.
The agency's computer automatically checks to see that your reported income matches up to what your boss submitted.
It also gets notified of interest or earnings from savings accounts, investments and stock trades, too -- as well as large gambling wins, inheritances and almost any other kind of income. If you fail to report capital gains on cryptocurrency trades, it could trigger an audit.
Even if you work in a cash business -- say, as a waiter or babysitter -- unclaimed income can catch up to you.
"If someone is bringing their child to you to care for, they're probably claiming your service on their taxes. So you need to make sure it all aligns," says Willetts. "Even a small business like a house painter will require you to be bonded. That will eventually cross the IRS's desk."
For instance, if you declare $20,000 in income on your tax return, but when you apply for a home loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration, you put down $80,000. "These departments talk to each other and eventually it's going to get you caught," Willetts added.
According to Aprio's Thomas Scott, small-business owners who don't keep good records also tend to underreport -- a major audit risk.
"Because the business owner hasn't kept up with their income for the entire year, when it's time to file their taxes they tend to estimate," Scott says. "The problem with this approach shows up because most of the income earned has been reported to the IRS on a Form 1099. The IRS can match the income reported on the owner's return to the income reported on Form 1099s."
The IRS also accepts tips from concerned citizens: Your disgruntled co-worker or aggrieved in-law may be only too happy to report you for tax fraud, especially since the agency's 2006 Whistleblower Program increased incentives to potentially between 15% and 30% of the proceeds the IRS collects.
The three kinds of 'audits'
Typically, the IRS sends three different kinds of notifications: Adjustment letters, correspondent audits and examination audits.
Adjustment letters simply let taxpayers know they owe additional money or that there is a change in their refund amount, typically because of a miscalculation.
"People get a letter from the IRS and they automatically freak out and think it's an audit, but it's really just an adjustment letter," said Greene-Lewis.
A correspondence audit is a bit more involved: It lets the taxpayer know additional documentation is needed to complete their return. The IRS might ask for receipts, bills, employment documents, canceled checks, legal papers, loan agreements, shareholder reports or even ticket stubs.
An examination audit is what people are really scared of, but less than 1% of Americans are audited in a given tax year, said Willetts. "Generally the IRS says 'If you have the documents, send them to us.'"
If you do receive a letter indicating the IRS is conducting an examination audit, you might want to solicit a professional, she added.
The process may be conducted through the mail, or more rarely, in person. (In March 2020, the IRS suspended face-to-face examinations because of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
When the audit is completed, your IRS auditor will determine what's required to rectify the situation. If you disagree, there is an appeals process.
Some of the things that get flagged by the agency are no big deal, Willetts said, "and the IRS is not always right -- or not fully right." In 2018, 30,000 of the million or so audits conducted resulted in taxpayers getting additional money back.
"It's always a pleasure to resolve an issue with the IRS when it's the taxpayer's favor," said Willetts.
How far back can the IRS go to audit a return?
Generally, the IRS will include returns filed within the last three years in an audit, with most audits of returns from the last two.
"If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years," according to the agency's website, which adds it doesn't usually don't go back more than the last six years.
If an audit is not resolved, the IRS may request extending the statute of limitations for assessing additional taxes and fees, which is usually three years after a return was due or was filed, whichever is later.
The auditee doesn't have to agree to the extension of the statute of limitations date, according to the IRS. "However if you don't agree, the auditor will be forced to make a determination based upon the information provided."
How long should you hold onto your old tax records?
Since the IRS typically looks at returns from the past three years, it's a good rule of thumb to hold onto your records for at least that long.
Six or seven years is fine if you really want to cover your bases. The agency itself says it won't go back further than that.
Why no irs tax refund yet no tax refund yet 2021 no tax refund yet from irs federal tax return accepted but no refund yet no federal tax refund yet no federal tax refund yet 2021 no tax refund after 3 months no tax refund after 5 months no tax refund after 2 months no tax refund this year no tax refund after 8 months no tax no tax states no tax liability no tax area no tax weekend no tax free threshold
No Tax Refund Yet? Why Your IRS Money Might Be Late
No Tax Refund Yet? Why Your IRS Money Might Be Late
This story is part of Taxes 2022, CNET's coverage of the best tax software and everything else you need to get your return filed quickly, accurately and on-time.
Taxes were due two weeks ago. If you're not one of the roughly 130 million tax filers who've submitted their 2021 tax returns, you need to do it as soon as possible to claim your tax refund or avoid penalties and interest if you owe.
Filing your tax return electronically with direct deposit should give you a tax refund in about 21 days, according to the IRS. If you've been waiting longer than three weeks and no refund has arrived yet, there could be a problem or your tax situation may simply require additional processing.
In a March bulletin, the IRS noted that some tax refunds can take a bit longer than the expected 21-day period and also warned taxpayers "not to rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills."
Here are 10 of the most common reasons IRS money is delayed this year. For more, find the best free tax software, see how to track your refund to your bank account or mailbox, and learn how to create an online IRS account.
Your tax return has errors or is incomplete
When you file your tax return, it's important to cross-check any information you've included to make sure it's accurate. For instance, don't mix up the numbers of state taxes withheld with federal taxes withheld. Before you submit your taxes to the IRS, simply take a second look to fix any potential errors and make sure you've filled out each field.
Also, if you received child tax credit payments last year, make sure the amount on Letter 6419 matches the amount you received. If an incorrect amount is entered, the IRS will need to further review your tax return, which the agency says will result in an "extensive delay."
Note that if there's a problem that needs to be fixed after you submit your return, the IRS will first try to proceed without contacting you. That means it could be days or weeks before you know there's a problem.
You owe the IRS money
If you owe back taxes to the IRS, the agency may take some or all of your tax refund to pay off that debt. If your refund contains more money than you owe, you'll receive the remaining balance via direct deposit or check in the mail, but it could be delayed. Taxpayers whose refunds are used by the IRS to cover existing payment obligations should receive a CP49 notice in the mail.
Even if you don't owe the IRS money, the agency can keep your tax refund money if you have other debts to state or federal agencies. The Treasury Offset Program enables the IRS to take all or part of your tax refund to pay obligations such as child support, state taxes or unemployment compensation repayments. Such debts could delay the arrival of your remaining tax refund or eliminate it completely.
Your banking information is incorrect
Have you changed bank accounts since you last filed your taxes? If so, pay close attention to what the direct deposit information says when submitting your return this year. If you accidentally forget to update it with your new direct deposit details, your refund will be sent back to the IRS. This will likely result in a paper check being mailed to your house, which could take several weeks longer to arrive.
You filed a paper tax return
This year, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file electronically and set up direct deposit to get their refunds back more quickly. With mail delays, it could take a while for the IRS to receive your return in the mail and even longer to issue a paper check.
Filing your return online instead of through the mail is more important than ever this year to avoid refund delays, the IRS says. Instead of a paper tax return, use one of these free online tax filing services so you don't have to wait to receive your money.
You didn't properly enter your stimulus payments
In 2021, most Americans received a third stimulus check payment related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While that money is non-taxable, it needs to be reconciled on your tax return if you are claiming the recovery rebate credit.
In recent testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee, IRS Commissioner Charles P. Retting said that in 2020, the IRS "received far more than 10 million returns" where taxpayers failed to properly reconcile their stimulus payments with the amounts entered for their recovery rebate credits. Those returns require a manual review and create lengthy delays.
If you plan to claim the recovery rebate credit on your tax return, learn how to avoid this error using IRS Letter 6475 or your online IRS account.
To get a prompt tax refund, be sure to enter your advance child tax payments correctly.
Sarah Tew/CNET
You filed Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation
It sounds painful, but this form has nothing to do with physical injuries or disabilities.
When a married couple filing jointly owes a federal debt, the IRS may seize their tax refund in order to offset the money that they owe. If only one half of the couple owes money, the other partner can be considered "injured" and request at least part of the expected tax refund. Enter IRS Form 8379.
While not as common as some of the other causes, this tax-refund delay is significant. According to the instructions of Form 8379, taxpayers filing the form should expect up to 14 weeks of processing time, or up to 11 weeks if filing electronically.
The IRS suspects identity theft
If the IRS flags a tax return for having a possible chance of identity theft, the agency will hold your refund until your identity is verified. When that occurs, you'll likely receive a 5071C letter that provides instructions for proving your identity. If your tax return is legitimate, don't panic -- an IRS letter doesn't mean there is proof of identity theft, merely a suspicion.
Taxpayers can verify their identity on the IRS website, which currently requires creating an ID.me account, or by calling a dedicated phone number listed on the IRS letter. If those methods fail, you'll need to schedule an in-person appointment at a local IRS office.
One method for avoiding identity-theft-related delays is to create an "Identity Protection PIN" or IP-PIN. This unique six-digit ID is known only to you and the IRS and prevents anyone else from filing a return in your name. The IP PIN will only last for one year -- you'll need to create a new one next tax season if you want the same level of identity protection. You'll need an ID.me account to create an IP PIN online, although it is possible to acquire an IP PIN using IRS Form 15227 (PDF) and a telephone interview or in-person appointment.
You filed Form 1040-NR to request refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S
While this reason is rare, it can cause a lengthy delay in your tax refund. Non-resident foreigners in the US who earn taxable income may receive Form 1042-S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding. This form often applies to non-Americans who receive scholarships while attending college in the US.
To get the money withheld back in the form of a tax refund, foreigners who receive 1042-S forms will need to file a 1040-NR return. The IRS says that it needs more time to process these returns, up to six months after the return is filed or when the 1040-NR was due, whichever is later.
You filed an amended tax return
It can happen to anyone -- you forgot a form or a major deduction or you accidentally picked the wrong filing status. If the change to your return is big enough, you'll want to file an amended return. The IRS allows anyone who files their tax return electronically to also e-file their amended return, but only for the current year.
If you do file an amended return, you'll need to practice patience. The IRS warns that amended returns can take up to 16 weeks to be processed. Before filing an amended return, you may want to wait to receive the tax refund from your original return. The IRS can often correct small errors and adjust your tax refund accordingly. The agency provides an online tool for helping you determine if you should file an amended return.
Your return needs further review
As mentioned above, if you see a message saying that your tax return needs further review by the IRS, you can expect your refund to arrive later than the average three weeks. For instance, if you receive a CP07 Notice, it means the IRS has received your tax return and is holding your refund until it completes a more thorough review. You might get this notice if you're claiming treaty benefits or deductions on the Schedule A section (PDF) of your taxes.
If the agency finds no issues, your refund could arrive within six to 12 weeks, assuming no taxes are owed. If the IRS does find issues with your return, it'll send you a notice with instructions on what to do within that same period. That means you'll get your refund months later than you anticipated.
For more information, here are the most important dates and deadlines for filing your taxes. Also, here are 10 tax changes that could affect the size of your refund, and 13 tax deductions and credits to boost your refund.
This guy sued a spammer and got 1/2000 szcsm rendelet this guy sued a spammer and got 1540 this guy sued a spammer and got a davida this guy sued a spammer app this guy sued at fault this guy sued america this guy sued after chapter this guy sued for selling
This Guy Sued a Spammer and Got $1,200 Without a Lawyer. You Can Fight Unwanted Calls and Texts, Too
This Guy Sued a Spammer and Got $1,200 Without a Lawyer. You Can Fight Unwanted Calls and Texts, Too
David Weekly was fed up with spam calls. So he did something about it.
Telemarketing calls and texts were flooding his inbox every day, making it difficult to discern between genuine calls and telemarketing ads. After a text message hit his phone in June, he decided enough was enough. He sued the spammer, and it paid off: He ended up with a $1,200 check.
"Like every other human being on the planet with a cellphone, I get a lot of spam phone calls and text messages -- I find it kind of annoying," Weekly, a technology executive and California resident, told CNET.
"I've occasionally gone after spammers by reporting them to the shortlink services they use or the web or DNS host of the spamming domain," Weekly said. But this is the first time he sued a spammer in small claims court. And it was the first time he received a check from a spammer.
Though representing yourself in court isn't the easiest process, Weekly's story shows people aren't helpless. In fact, Weekly says his experience -- which went viral on Twitter after he shared it -- has inspired many others to take action against spammers, now knowing that the law gives you the right to sue them.
How one man sued a spam caller and won
Weekly received a text message from a company in June trying to sell him workers' compensation insurance. The company didn't conceal its identity. The text gave the name of the company, a website and an email address for the person running the business.
A quick search online confirmed the company operated out of California. Though Weekly isn't a lawyer, he knew about the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and saw this as a clear violation of the law.
The TCPA is a federal law that, among other things, prohibits unsolicited calls made to cellphones using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice (aka a robocall). Text messages are considered calls under the TCPA, according to Anne Mitchell, attorney and CEO of the Institute for Spam and Internet Public Policy.
If a business violates the TCPA, it's obligated to pay $500 per violation or $1,500 each time it "willfully and knowingly" violates this law. If you're on the National Do Not Call Registry, the right to sue includes live telemarketing calls, which refer to spam phone calls involving a live person and not an automated system, according to Margot Saunders, general counsel at the National Consumer Law Center.
Weekly researched the law and sent the company a demand letter stating how much they owed him and why. (Sending a demand letter prior to suing in small claims court is a requirement in California.) After 10 days passed without a reply, Weekly sued.
"It was only about a day or two after I served them with the suit that I got a phone call and a text message saying, 'Hi, there. Looks like you've sued me. Can we talk?'" Weekly said. "Those weren't the exact words, but that was sort of the gist. He was apologetic about having done it, and he recognized that he had done the wrong thing. He asked if I could take it down a notch, and I said, 'Well, how about just a $1,200 check and we can call this thing done?'
"He agreed, and a week later, that $1,200 check showed up," Weekly said. "That was cool and surreal: I'm holding a check that somebody who spammed me sent as an apology. That's pretty neat."
In all, it took Weekly four hours to complete this entire process, and he didn't contact a lawyer or have to show up to court. He subsequently posted his story on Twitter, explaining how he sued the spammer in the thread.
Spam calls are a big nuisance, sure, but what drove Weekly to take legal action wasn't rooted in any deep animosity toward the spam callers.
"These people aren't out there to spam maliciously," Weekly said. "They spam because they did some economic calculus that says it's economically advantageous for them to do so. If even a small percentage of people who are spammed find ways to push back, you can quickly, dramatically change the calculus around whether spamming makes good economic sense."
Though not all TCPA violations are straightforward -- and it's not always easy to identify a spammer in the first place -- Weekly's story shows people aren't defenseless against spam calls. And suing is only one tool in your arsenal. Here's what you can do about spam calls and messages.
The TCPA gives folks with the right to sue spammers.
PM Images/Getty Images
What can you do about spam calls and messages?
First, you should understand the difference between a spam call and a scam call.
Scam calls are those that are clearly illegal, designed to steal money from people. Scam calls might include people pretending to be a legitimate business (including Apple and Amazon), attempting to defraud an individual. They also include those you might receive about "your car's extended warranty" or your Social Security benefits.
Spam calls, on the other hand, are calls that aren't necessarily trying to steal your money or information. These include legitimate telemarketing calls that you haven't consented to.
Robocalls can be legitimate telemarketing, but they're also a large source of scams in the US. As many as 68 million Americans have reported losing money to phone scams, losing nearly $40 billion collectively within the last year, according to Truecaller's 2022 US Spam and Scam Report. Truecaller, one of the leading platforms for blocking unwanted communication, conducts the yearly review with Harris Poll.
While you can also sue scam callers under the TCPA, it's much harder to find scammers. Often, they're overseas and use temporary numbers, making them almost impossible to find contact information for. But with legitimate businesses, you've got more of a shot of suing them and successfully collecting the damages you're owed.
You could take spammers to court, though that takes time and effort. If you don't want to go to those lengths and simply want to cut down on the number of unsolicited calls and texts you receive, there are some simpler steps you can take.
Report it to your carrier
You can report spam calls and messages to your carrier by texting 7726 -- easy to remember, because it spells "SPAM."
If you received a spam text message, you can forward, or copy and paste, the message to your carrier. (When doing this, take care not to open links that were sent to you.) If it's a call, you can send the caller's number to your carrier.
Some carriers, like AT&T, may also provide online forms that allow you to file a spam complaint with more detail. Many popular US carriers also have apps that enable additional call-blocking features that aren't already included in your phone subscription. These apps, like T-Mobile's ScamShield, may include a specialized area where you can report individual unwanted communications. Verizon's app is called Call Filter and AT&T's app is called ActiveArmor.
Sign up for the Do Not Call Registry
Managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the National Do Not Call Registry is a list of phone numbers of individuals who have requested that telemarketers do not contact them. Companies are required to check the Do Not Call Registry before making telemarketing calls, and calling someone on the list without prior consent is prohibited.
You can sign up for the Do Not Call Registry for free in just a couple of minutes. Though it won't stop all telemarketing calls from reaching you, stopping any amount of calls is helpful. Some organizations, such as political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors, may still call you even if you're on the list.
The Registry includes a complaint form where you can report spammers. The FTC's website also includes a form to report fraud.
Read more: The FCC Wants Scammers to Stop Calling You
Implement tips from the FCC
The Federal Communications Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing US communications law and regulations. As such, in recent years, illegal calls have become a top consumer protection priority for the agency. Here's a list of easy tips from the FCC to help reduce unwanted communications, and protect yourself against conventional scam attempts:
Don't answer calls from blocked, unidentifiable or unknown numbers. Hang up immediately if you answer one of these calls.
Don't respond to questions from or interact with unwanted communications. Never respond to a question that can be easily answered with "yes."
Never give out personal information, including your Social Security number, passwords or other identifying information. Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately.
If you get an inquiry call from someone who says they represent a company or government agency, such as the IRS, hang up immediately and call the entity from an official source (including your account statement or the entity's website).
Remember: The more you interact with spam or scam callers, the more likely they are to target you further.
The FCC's website includes a page where you can report spam communications.
Sue the spam caller or messenger
Suing is certainly an option if a spammer has violated the TCPA, but successfully doing so will require a bit more work -- and it's somewhat complex, based on the lawyers we spoke with.
Since the Do Not Call Registry expands your right to sue to telemarketing calls of any kind (regardless of what dialing system was used or whether it's live or a robocall), enrolling is a good first step before you file suit. If you're on the Do Not Call Registry and receive more than one telemarketing call from the same caller, you have the right to sue, and you can get $500 per call or text, according to Saunders.
Mitchell argues that receiving a telemarketing call to a number that's on the Do Not Call Registry may qualify as a "willful or knowing" violation of the TCPA, since companies are required to check the Registry before making a telemarketing call. A willful and knowing violation would qualify you for $1,500 per violation.
Some states require you to send a demand letter before suing, but even if it isn't required, Mitchell says it's advantageous to send one first. That's because it's often less costly for companies to settle with you -- they can avoid court and attorney's fees -- than it would be to appear in court. Settling can also save you money in court fees and serving the defendant with the complaint.
"It's such small potatoes for these companies," Mitchell said. "Is it going to be worth the spammer paying the court and legal fees rather than just settling with you? It never is worth it for them. And they know what they're gonna lose."
If the spammer doesn't respond to your demand letter, then you can move forward with suing in your local small claims court as a TCPA violation.
You can settle with TCPA violators before taking them to court.
Prasit photo/Getty Images
Here's what you need to know to sue a spam caller
What is small claims court?
Small claims courts are local (e.g., county, municipal) courts that manage cases with a small amount of damages, typically between $5,000 to $10,000, though some states have much lower caps. This is the easiest place to file a TCPA violation, as long as the amount of damages you're claiming doesn't exceed the court's limit. Small claims court also tends to be a cheaper and faster process. Nolo, which is one of the largest online libraries of DIY legal guides, has information on small claims courts by state.
How do I create and send a demand letter?
You may be required to send a demand letter before suing in small claims court, depending on where you live, so you'll want to check in with the requirements of your state.
For example, California has a self-help guide to writing a demand letter; your state may have one too, or maybe even a template to follow. It's best to follow the instructions and language of your particular court, but Nolo has general guidelines for writing a demand letter.
How do I file a claim?
This is the first step in initiating a lawsuit. For small claims court, the initial form is typically called a "statement of claim," but depending on the court, it may simply be called a "complaint." Many court websites will walk you through the process, though some are more user-friendly than others (California and Massachusetts have particularly good websites). The form and process for filing a claim vary by court, so be sure to research your particular court. An internet search with your state or county and "small claims court" should set you in the right direction. In any case, your claim will need to outline how much and why the defendants owe you.
What is 'serving the defendant'?
Adequately giving the defendant notice that you're suing them is an essential component of any lawsuit. This is called "service of process." States differ on what constitutes adequate service. For example, a majority of states (but not all) allow you to send a defendant the lawsuit through certified mail with a return receipt requested. You'll want to check in with the requirements of your state, but getting a private company to serve the defendant is usually the easiest way to go, though it'll cost you a bit more money than doing it yourself.
The bottom line on unwanted calls and messages
At best, unwanted communications are annoying. At worst, they're a large source of scams in the US that reap billions of dollars from American consumers. But whatever the form and content of these unwanted communications, you aren't powerless against the nuisance.
It may take some time and effort, but there are things you can do to push back, including taking legal action against spam or scam communications. As Weekly said, the more people push back, the more the economic calculus changes for spammers, making it riskier and costlier to spam.
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How to get your drone license (and legally make money)
How to get your drone license (and legally make money)
Aerial photography. Real estate tours. Drone burrito delivery.
Imagine the money you could make (and fun you could have!) if you flew for profit.
Sadly, drone businesses aren't legal in the United States unless the government makes an exception for you -- or unless you get your own drone license under the FAA's brand-new rules.
Starting Monday, August 29, you can apply for your very own license by passing a multiple-choice test and paying a small fee. No experience necessary!
What, you mean I can't just sell my drone photos already?
Nope! You could get fined $1,100 (or more) for operating your unmanned aerial system (UAS) for business purposes without FAA approval.
What is a Remote Pilot Certificate?
It's the official name for the drone license I've been talking about. With it, you can legally fly drones with intention of making a profit -- either by selling the footage, delivering goods and everything in between. You still have to follow a lot of restrictions when you fly...but more on those in a bit.
Prosumer camera drones like the popular DJI Phantom start at around $500 -- but the sky's the limit on price.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
What if I'm just flying for fun?
You don't need the certificate...but you do still need to register your drone if it weighs over half a pound (0.55lb to be precise).
Oh, but if you're a drone racer -- weaving through obstacles with a nifty set of first-person-view glasses on your head -- you'll still need that Remote Pilot Certificate. At least that's what the FAA tells Forbes.
OK, I want to make money. What do I need to get my license?
Be at least 16 years old
Have a valid government-issued picture ID with your name, address and signature
Make an appointment to take the knowledge test at a test center near you
Pay $150 to the testing firm
Study
Pass the test
Wait up to 48 hours for your test score to get uploaded
Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate (using the code from your successful test as proof)
Complete a TSA background check
Print out a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate (while you wait for the real one to be delivered by mail)
Register your drone (maybe do this first?) and start flying!
OK, that does sound like a lot. Let's break it down.
How do I get an appointment for a Remote Pilot Certificate?
You need to call, email or submit an online request form with one of the two companies supervising the test -- not the test center.
CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service):
1-800-947-4228, then press 3 (Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday to Sunday 7 a.m. PT to 3:30 p.m. PT)
Online registration and payment (CATS calls you back within 24 hours to schedule)
PSI (formerly LaserGrade):
1-800-211-2753, then press 1 twice (Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday 5 a.m. PT to 2 p.m. PT)
examschedule@psionline.com (PSI replies within two business hours)
Online request form (PSI replies within two business hours)
According to testing centers we called, CATS and PSI handle pretty much everything, including assigning you a test center and accepting your $150 payment.
The DJI Phantom 4 taking flight.
CNET
How long is the waiting list?
In the San Francisco Bay Area, it's not too bad as of August 26. One testing center told us they were booked for two weeks, another said they had openings later in the week.
Is there a testing center near me?
Probably! There are 686 of them across the United States. Check for yourself in the FAA's full, official list of test centers (PDF).
You'll need to call CATS or PSI to get your appointment, though. While the FAA's website says you can just walk in, testing centers in the San Francisco Bay Area told us we needed to arrange everything with CATS or PSI first.
How hard is the test?
You get two hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and you only need to answer 70 percent of them correctly to pass! (You can totally miss 18 questions and still succeed.)
But these aren't exactly easy questions. You'll probably need to study.
Oh yeah? How hard can the questions be?
While monitoring the Cooperstown CTAF you hear an aircraft announce that they are midfield left downwind to RWY 13. Where would the aircraft be relative to the runway? (Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2G, Figure 26, area 2.)
A. The aircraft is East.
B. The aircraft is South.
C. The aircraft is West.
That's just one of the FAA's sample questions. Find more here (PDF).
What's the best way to prepare for the test?
The FAA actually offers a free two-hour training course (register here first) to get you up to speed, plus an 87-page study guide (PDF).
But you may need more help than that, because the FAA's course materials don't explain some of the simplest concepts in plain English.
For instance, would you believe you can answer the sample question above without looking at a map? I didn't figure it out until I found this third-party study guide by drone manufacturer 3DR.
I passed the test! Where do I apply for the actual certificate?
Register here first (pick Applicant) and fill out your personal information. (You can ignore the Airman Certificate Number and Date of Issuance fields)
Log into the site using your new username and password
Apply for the certificate here; pick Pilot from the first dropdown menu, then click on the Remote Pilot certification
If you get lost, here's a complete set of instructions.
The Yuneeq Typhoon H drone.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
Now that I've got my certificate, I can fly anywhere, anytime, yes?
Not so much -- as you'll see when you study, there are a lot of rules (PDF) about when and where you can fly your drone.
Unless you get a 107 waiver (and you need to apply for those months in advance), you can't fly:
At night
Over people
Higher than 400 feet (unless you're within 400 feet of a building; skyscraper climbing is OK)
Further away than you can see with your naked eye
At speeds over 100 miles per hour
From a moving vehicle (or inside a covered stationary vehicle)
Within five miles of an airport -- unless you clear it with air traffic control using this tool at the FAA's website.
Also, you need to register your drone (if it weighs between 0.55 and 55 pounds), do pre-flight checks before you fly and report any accidents that hurt people or do $500 worth of damage to property.
What if my drone weighs more than 55 pounds?
You can't do it with a drone license, or even a 107 waiver. Only a 333 exemption (which are hard to get, can take a long time and generally require a real pilot's license to fly) can let you pilot something that heavy.
What if my company already has a Section 333 Exemption?
Lucky you! But in many cases, you can't actually fly a drone for profit under the 333 unless you're a certified pilot. The Remote Pilot Certificate is another option.
What if I've already got a pilot's license?
If you want your Remote Pilot Certificate, you can actually skip the knowledge test and take the online training course instead. You'll still need to fill out a form, make an in-person appointment and have completed a flight review within the last two years, so it's not necessarily any easier.
Here's a step-by-step guide for existing pilots.
Could I really start a drone burrito delivery service?
Yes, the FAA says package delivery is OK -- but it'd be tough! Particularly given the rule about needing to keep the drone within eyesight, and the one about drones needing to weigh 55 pounds or less. It'd probably be easier to just hand someone their food.
How about a journalist covering breaking news stories?
That could be tough, too. You can't fly over people without a waiver, and the FAA says those will take months. But if you're not reporting live, or not directly over people... the FAA says media companies can do it.
What if I have awesome video goggles and a camera on the drone? Do I really need to watch it with my actual eyes?
Someone needs to: either you, or a second person who can act as a visual observer. Them's the rules!
Which drone should I buy?
If you've never flown before, buy a toy drone. Not kidding -- you'll learn the basic motor skills without any risk of hurting people or turning a $1,000+ aerial camera into scrap. Then, pick one of our top-rated prosumer drones that matches your needs and budget.
Is that it?
So far, so good...but there's still a lot to think about. Maybe you'll want to insure your drone against damage, and yourself against liability? You'll definitely want to practice flying and camera skills, and you'll need to figure out how to convince potential clients that you're right for the job.
Lastly, know that your Remote Pilot Certificate is only good for two years. You'll need to pass another knowledge test once that's done.
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How to get your drone license (and legally make money)
How to get your drone license (and legally make money)
Aerial photography. Real estate tours. Drone burrito delivery.
Imagine the money you could make (and fun you could have!) if you flew for profit.
Sadly, drone businesses aren't legal in the United States unless the government makes an exception for you -- or unless you get your own drone license under the FAA's brand-new rules.
Starting Monday, August 29, you can apply for your very own license by passing a multiple-choice test and paying a small fee. No experience necessary!
What, you mean I can't just sell my drone photos already?
Nope! You could get fined $1,100 (or more) for operating your unmanned aerial system (UAS) for business purposes without FAA approval.
What is a Remote Pilot Certificate?
It's the official name for the drone license I've been talking about. With it, you can legally fly drones with intention of making a profit -- either by selling the footage, delivering goods and everything in between. You still have to follow a lot of restrictions when you fly...but more on those in a bit.
Prosumer camera drones like the popular DJI Phantom start at around $500 -- but the sky's the limit on price.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
What if I'm just flying for fun?
You don't need the certificate...but you do still need to register your drone if it weighs over half a pound (0.55lb to be precise).
Oh, but if you're a drone racer -- weaving through obstacles with a nifty set of first-person-view glasses on your head -- you'll still need that Remote Pilot Certificate. At least that's what the FAA tells Forbes.
OK, I want to make money. What do I need to get my license?
Be at least 16 years old
Have a valid government-issued picture ID with your name, address and signature
Make an appointment to take the knowledge test at a test center near you
Pay $150 to the testing firm
Study
Pass the test
Wait up to 48 hours for your test score to get uploaded
Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate (using the code from your successful test as proof)
Complete a TSA background check
Print out a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate (while you wait for the real one to be delivered by mail)
Register your drone (maybe do this first?) and start flying!
OK, that does sound like a lot. Let's break it down.
How do I get an appointment for a Remote Pilot Certificate?
You need to call, email or submit an online request form with one of the two companies supervising the test -- not the test center.
CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service):
1-800-947-4228, then press 3 (Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday to Sunday 7 a.m. PT to 3:30 p.m. PT)
Online registration and payment (CATS calls you back within 24 hours to schedule)
PSI (formerly LaserGrade):
1-800-211-2753, then press 1 twice (Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday 5 a.m. PT to 2 p.m. PT)
examschedule@psionline.com (PSI replies within two business hours)
Online request form (PSI replies within two business hours)
According to testing centers we called, CATS and PSI handle pretty much everything, including assigning you a test center and accepting your $150 payment.
The DJI Phantom 4 taking flight.
CNET
How long is the waiting list?
In the San Francisco Bay Area, it's not too bad as of August 26. One testing center told us they were booked for two weeks, another said they had openings later in the week.
Is there a testing center near me?
Probably! There are 686 of them across the United States. Check for yourself in the FAA's full, official list of test centers (PDF).
You'll need to call CATS or PSI to get your appointment, though. While the FAA's website says you can just walk in, testing centers in the San Francisco Bay Area told us we needed to arrange everything with CATS or PSI first.
How hard is the test?
You get two hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and you only need to answer 70 percent of them correctly to pass! (You can totally miss 18 questions and still succeed.)
But these aren't exactly easy questions. You'll probably need to study.
Oh yeah? How hard can the questions be?
While monitoring the Cooperstown CTAF you hear an aircraft announce that they are midfield left downwind to RWY 13. Where would the aircraft be relative to the runway? (Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2G, Figure 26, area 2.)
A. The aircraft is East.
B. The aircraft is South.
C. The aircraft is West.
That's just one of the FAA's sample questions. Find more here (PDF).
What's the best way to prepare for the test?
The FAA actually offers a free two-hour training course (register here first) to get you up to speed, plus an 87-page study guide (PDF).
But you may need more help than that, because the FAA's course materials don't explain some of the simplest concepts in plain English.
For instance, would you believe you can answer the sample question above without looking at a map? I didn't figure it out until I found this third-party study guide by drone manufacturer 3DR.
I passed the test! Where do I apply for the actual certificate?
Register here first (pick Applicant) and fill out your personal information. (You can ignore the Airman Certificate Number and Date of Issuance fields)
Log into the site using your new username and password
Apply for the certificate here; pick Pilot from the first dropdown menu, then click on the Remote Pilot certification
If you get lost, here's a complete set of instructions.
The Yuneeq Typhoon H drone.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
Now that I've got my certificate, I can fly anywhere, anytime, yes?
Not so much -- as you'll see when you study, there are a lot of rules (PDF) about when and where you can fly your drone.
Unless you get a 107 waiver (and you need to apply for those months in advance), you can't fly:
At night
Over people
Higher than 400 feet (unless you're within 400 feet of a building; skyscraper climbing is OK)
Further away than you can see with your naked eye
At speeds over 100 miles per hour
From a moving vehicle (or inside a covered stationary vehicle)
Within five miles of an airport -- unless you clear it with air traffic control using this tool at the FAA's website.
Also, you need to register your drone (if it weighs between 0.55 and 55 pounds), do pre-flight checks before you fly and report any accidents that hurt people or do $500 worth of damage to property.
What if my drone weighs more than 55 pounds?
You can't do it with a drone license, or even a 107 waiver. Only a 333 exemption (which are hard to get, can take a long time and generally require a real pilot's license to fly) can let you pilot something that heavy.
What if my company already has a Section 333 Exemption?
Lucky you! But in many cases, you can't actually fly a drone for profit under the 333 unless you're a certified pilot. The Remote Pilot Certificate is another option.
What if I've already got a pilot's license?
If you want your Remote Pilot Certificate, you can actually skip the knowledge test and take the online training course instead. You'll still need to fill out a form, make an in-person appointment and have completed a flight review within the last two years, so it's not necessarily any easier.
Here's a step-by-step guide for existing pilots.
Could I really start a drone burrito delivery service?
Yes, the FAA says package delivery is OK -- but it'd be tough! Particularly given the rule about needing to keep the drone within eyesight, and the one about drones needing to weigh 55 pounds or less. It'd probably be easier to just hand someone their food.
How about a journalist covering breaking news stories?
That could be tough, too. You can't fly over people without a waiver, and the FAA says those will take months. But if you're not reporting live, or not directly over people... the FAA says media companies can do it.
What if I have awesome video goggles and a camera on the drone? Do I really need to watch it with my actual eyes?
Someone needs to: either you, or a second person who can act as a visual observer. Them's the rules!
Which drone should I buy?
If you've never flown before, buy a toy drone. Not kidding -- you'll learn the basic motor skills without any risk of hurting people or turning a $1,000+ aerial camera into scrap. Then, pick one of our top-rated prosumer drones that matches your needs and budget.
Is that it?
So far, so good...but there's still a lot to think about. Maybe you'll want to insure your drone against damage, and yourself against liability? You'll definitely want to practice flying and camera skills, and you'll need to figure out how to convince potential clients that you're right for the job.
Lastly, know that your Remote Pilot Certificate is only good for two years. You'll need to pass another knowledge test once that's done.
