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NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

October 15, 2012
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov

FCC ENFORCEMENT BUREAU TAKES ACTION AGAINST CRAIGSLIST SELLERS

FOR MARKETING ILLEGAL SIGNAL JAMMING DEVICES

Warns Consumers to Immediately Remove Online Jammer Ads;
Issues Consumer Alerts in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese
Washington, D.C. – Today the FCC Enforcement Bureau takes action against another six individuals for
advertising and selling signal jamming devices on craigslist.org, warning that the Bureau intends to impose
substantial monetary penalties for similar violations going forward. Over the last two weeks, the Bureau has
targeted 23 signal jammer ads on craigslist. These actions resulted from aggressive undercover operations.
Signal jamming devices, or “jammers,” are radio frequency transmitters that intentionally block, jam, or
interfere with authorized communications, such as cell phone calls, text messages, GPS systems, and Wi-Fi
networks. Jammers are indiscriminate—they can block critical public safety and other emergency
communications along with the targeted transmissions. As a result, it is a violation of federal law to market,
sell, or use a jammer in the United States.
Recently, Enforcement Bureau staff have observed individuals offering signal jamming devices on craigslist and
other online marketplaces. These advertisements are illegal and should be removed immediately.
FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Michele Ellison noted, “Merely posting a signal jammer ad on sites like
craigslist.org violates federal law. Signal jammers are contraband for a reason. Simply put, jammers block all
communications within range—not just the unwanted ones.”
Ms. Ellison added, “One person’s moment of peace or privacy could very well endanger the safety and well-
being of others. We intend to take increasingly aggressive enforcement action against violators. If we catch you
selling or operating a jammer, it’s going to cost you.”
The Enforcement Bureau will continue to closely monitor online websites for violations. To report the sale or
use of an illegal jammer, call the FCC Enforcement Bureau’s Jammer Tip Line at 1-855-55-NOJAM.
To continue to heighten public awareness, the Bureau is also releasing a Consumer Alert on the jamming
prohibition in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.
For more information, Frequently Asked Questions about cell, GPS, and Wi-Fi jammers are available at
www.fcc.gov/jammers. Additional information on jamming enforcement is available www.fcc.gov/jammers or
by emailing jammerinfo@fcc.gov.
Media inquiries should be directed to Neil Grace at (202) 418-0506 or neil.grace@fcc.gov or to Karen Onyeije
at (202) 418-1757 or karen.onyeije@fcc.gov.
-FCC-

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