Why is the U.S. government paying relay operators to make fraudulent and obscene calls for people who aren't deaf?

Good question. Relay is an operator-assisted phone service for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired. Operators relay calls between deaf and hearing persons, typing what is said to the deaf person and reading what is typed to the hearing person.

Traditional Relay connects a TTY or text telephone to a regular telephone. Now, however, Relay is available on the Internet. A computer or text messaging mobile device takes the place of the TTY machine. With Internet Relay, anyone can make a Relay call as if they were deaf. In fact, most are not. That's the problem.

Nigerian fraud calls

Since it began in 2002, Internet Relay has been overwhelmed with calls from overseas criminal gangs using the service to scam U.S. businesses and individuals. Relay operators estimate that at least half — and more likely 75% or more — of all Internet Relay calls are either fraudulent or obscene.

Obscene calls

No, criminals aren't the only ones abusing Relay. Some hearing kids think it's fun to make relay operators say dirty words. Operators are supposed to read whatever is typed to them, whoever is on the phone. When kids abuse the system, this means reading typed descriptions of sex acts to minor children. Relay operators who refuse, risk being fired.

Who's paying for this?

We all are. There is no cost to the caller or recipient. Relay is paid for out of a charge on your phone bill for the Telecommunications Relay Service Fund. In the six month period ending May 2005, the TRS Fund paid out over $51 million to Internet Relay providers. Between $25 and $40 million of that was spent on fraud and obscenity.

This is outrageous! What can I do?

Tell the FCC and Congress to require proof of need in order to use Internet Relay similar to what states require before issuing handicapped license plates. Legitimate relay users would submit a letter from a health care professional saying they need the service. After verification, they would then be issued a username and password to log on to the Internet Relay websites.