The FCC finalized a $6 million forfeiture against political consultant Steve Kramer in September 2024 over AI-generated robocalls that imitated then-President Joe Biden and used misleading caller ID information to discourage New Hampshire voters from voting in that year’s Democratic presidential primary. A New Hampshire jury later acquitted Kramer in a separate state criminal case; that result did not itself reverse the FCC’s administrative order. Whether Kramer has since paid the forfeiture is not established by the available records.
What the FCC ordered
The Federal Communications Commission adopted its forfeiture order on September 26, 2024, and released it on September 30. It assessed a $6,000,000 forfeiture against Steve Kramer under the Truth in Caller ID Act and 47 C.F.R. § 64.1604, finding that the robocalls used misleading and inaccurate caller ID information. The order converted the $6 million proposal announced in May 2024 into an assessed forfeiture; it was no longer merely a proposed penalty. Read FCC Order 24-104.
The FCC said Kramer received notice of the proposed forfeiture but did not provide a substantive response. The Commission therefore assessed the proposed amount. The order’s legal finding and penalty are the FCC’s administrative action, not a criminal conviction.
What the calls said and why they drew scrutiny
The calls were sent to potential New Hampshire voters two days before the state’s 2024 Democratic presidential primary. According to the FCC order, they used an AI-generated voice imitating then-President Joe Biden and encouraged recipients not to vote in the primary. The calls also presented misleading caller ID information, which formed the basis for the FCC’s action.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- [100% Legal Version] Baofeng GT-5R passes the FCC Equipment test (standard: FCC 47 CFR Part 2 and 90). Comes with compliant Spurious Emission at ANT Terminal Spurious. Kindly check the test report from a third-party testing agency (download the "Certificate of compliance.pdf")
- [What's the Difference] Compared with the classic version, GT-5R is a 100% legal version of Baofeng UV-5R. It comes with the compliant transmit range and spurious emission and complies with FCC Equipment Rule Part15B and Part90. FCC ID: ①ZP5BF-5RA(TX) ②2AJGM-UV5R (RX)
- [Entry Level Choice] Good for HAM beginners. Baofeng GT-5R transmits only on 144-148MHz 420-450MHz with compliant spurious emission. With the legal version of ham radio handheld, no worry about goofing with authorities
- [Wide Capability] Compatible with most Baofeng UV-5R accessories. Support manually program via keyboard, or program via PC. Besides, downloading CHIRP as it made life a bit easier for programming
- [Basic Function] Comes with all the features of the classic model: VOX / MONI / SCAN /etc. A great emergency communication scanner HT. You can talk to friends and family over a large area (much better going through repeaters). With the handheld ham radio, you can enjoy the band talk under the premise of all legal compliance
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement accompanying the order, “It is this individual and this fine that we finalize here today.” New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, whose statement was reproduced in the order, said, “Secure, trustworthy, and transparent elections are the cornerstone of our democratic system at both the federal and state levels.” These are statements of position; the FCC order is the agency’s explanation of its findings and penalty.
How the 2025 criminal acquittal relates to the FCC order
In June 2025, a New Hampshire jury acquitted Kramer on all related state criminal charges, the Associated Press reported. That verdict resolved the separate state criminal case. It did not, by itself, vacate or reverse the FCC’s 2024 administrative forfeiture order. The two proceedings had different legal processes and outcomes.
Rank #2
- Long Range Communication: Professional Ham Radio，Up to 999 channels. Output :5W, 2s copy frequency, AM radio, FM radio, VOX, Dual PTT, DTMF,Compact Design, FCC ID: 2AJGM-5RMINI, The signal waves have the ability to penetrate wood; steel and concrete; giving you better range and performance in urban environments and around buildings. Support Chirp (Compatible programming software: UV-5R Mini)
- Phone Programming & Copy Frequency: By simply pairing with your mobile device, you can swiftly input and adjust frequencies.It streamlines the process, eliminating complex cables and enhancing user convenience. Easily decipher the frequency of another ham walkie talkie without the need for computer programming.(APP: OLA Radio)
- Supports USB-C charging methods: equipped with USB-C charging cable. The Type-C charging port is designed on the back of the rechargeable battery, making it convenient for you to charge anytime, anywhere. When going out, you can charge your walkie talkie on your car, power bank, laptop, or any USB interface device without worrying about battery life
- Equipped with Multiple Antennas: original antenna+38CM 771antenna = perfect solution. Different antennas can be freely switched to adapt to complex terrains and meet the communication requirements of various scenarios
- Upgraded communication: FM, AM, and NOAA reception: Obtain weather forecasts and receive emergency alerts for extreme weather through NOAA. In adverse weather conditions, even updating and providing information ensures your safety
Did Steve Kramer pay the $6 million?
The available records do not establish whether Kramer paid the FCC forfeiture after 2024. The FCC’s annual report states that no forfeiture penalties or criminal fines for the relevant Communications Act violations were collected in 2024, and records the referral of Kramer’s matter to the Department of Justice on December 3, 2024. Those are historical details about 2024; they do not show whether payment occurred in a later year. See the FCC annual reports.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What consumers can do about unwanted or deceptive calls
Call-blocking tools can reduce unwanted calls, but they are filters—not a way to verify whether a political message or caller is genuine—and they will not stop every scam. The FTC describes options including mobile call-blocking apps, carrier tools and devices for some landline calls. The FTC’s call-blocking guide explains the categories and points consumers to additional resources.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- MENUS THAT MAKE SENSE. 1,000 MEMORIES. 10 NAMED ZONES. Built for amateur operators who want organized analog control. Use clear English menus and the full keypad for common changes; group home, travel, club, event, simplex, and receive channels as your plan grows.
- SCAN THE ZONES THAT MATTER. Choose which named zones scan together. Temporarily skip a busy channel without changing your saved scan list. Scanning is for conventional analog channels; it does not decode DMR/digital or trunked systems.
- MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE. Choose Name + Frequency in the two-channel view. Dual Watch alternates one receiver between the two displayed channels. Turn Dual Watch off and enable Single Watch for a full-screen view of one channel's name, zone, and frequency. Approximate dBm adds signal context.
- START ON THE RADIO. BUILD LARGER PLANS ON A COMPUTER. Make common changes from the keypad. For larger plans, use BTECH CPS or supported CHIRP-next with the separately sold PC03. Firmware updates require BTECH CPS, the PC03, and BTECH's matching instructions. USB-C charges the battery.
- TRI-BAND AMATEUR TRANSMIT. RECEIVE-ONLY LISTENING. Valid amateur authorization is required to transmit on amateur frequencies in the U.S.; use only supported amateur bands within your privileges. Airband AM, NOAA weather, and broadcast FM are receive-only.
- For a mobile phone, review call-blocking apps and their privacy practices; the FTC recommends checking app reviews.
- Ask your phone carrier what call-blocking or call-labeling features it offers and what they cost, if anything.
- For a landline, a compatible call-blocking device may be an option. Confirm that it works with your phone service before buying; the FTC discusses devices for fake-number calls in its phone scam guidance.
- If a caller unexpectedly asks for personal information or demands an unusual payment method, treat that as a warning sign. The FTC recommends reporting scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Blocking can limit interruptions, but it does not authenticate caller ID, prove who recorded a message, or guarantee that a deceptive call will be filtered.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- P Channels (P1-P5) -preconfigured memory channels using FM mode and fixed CTCSS/ DCS for targeted communication.
- NRC (Noise Reduction Circuit) – advanced filtering for clear audio in noisy environments
- Scan skip – quickly scan and skip unwanted channels for efficient navigation.
- Built-in VOX – handsfree operation ideal for multitasking and mobile use.
- Key Lock – prevents accidental channel changes and locks preferred settings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
