The Caller ID Scam Prevention Act would fight scammers who create false caller identification numbers in order to deceive and defraud recipients of phone calls and text messages

Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) have introduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on Caller ID fraud. The Caller ID Scam Prevention Act would fight scammers creating false caller identification numbers in order to deceive and defraud recipients of phone calls and text messages. These scam artists falsify caller ID information to create the appearance a phone call or text message is coming from a familiar number such as a business, government organization, or individual and to hide their identities.

“Caller ID fraud is a growing problem that threatens the financial well-being of families and seniors,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will take important steps to broaden our efforts in the fight against caller ID fraud and ensure our laws are as sophisticated as the criminals using this scheme.”

Legislation was signed into law in 2009 that prohibited falsifying caller ID numbers where it is done to defraud or otherwise cause harm. The Caller ID Scam Prevention Act would broaden that law to combat new tactics used by criminals. This includes prohibiting foreigners from falsifying caller ID numbers when calling U.S. consumers and expanding the law to include text messages. The bill would also cover new internet-based VoIP services that enable callers to make outgoing-only calls from computers and tablets to mobile and landline phones.

Caller ID fraud falsifies the Caller ID information to create the appearance a phone call or text message is coming from a familiar number such as a business, government organization, or individual and hides the identity of the scammers. Vulnerable populations such as seniors, low-income, and immigrant communities are often the victims of this crime. Those targeted are encouraged to immediately hang up and contact the FCC Consumer Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

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