Banks Seek FCC Clearance to Send Mass Texts Amid Coronavirus

Banks are pushing the Federal Communications Commission for permission to send unsolicited mass texts and calls during the coronavirus pandemic without violating a federal anti-robocall law.

The banks want to send alerts about issues such as scams, branch closings and how customers can delay mortgage and loan payments. They’re asking the commission to clarify that such messages tied to the coronavirus are legal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

“Now is the time to be encouraging everybody to reach out to consumers about the options that are available,” said Justin Wiseman, managing regulatory counsel at the Mortgage Bankers Association. His ...