A "spoofing" law has passed the State Senate that would ban false caller identifications from businesses.
Senator Patrick Gallivan of Elma says this bill is aimed at stopping businesses from defrauding or harassing customers. This "spoofing" is sometimes used by scammers or telemarketers to hide their true identities by sending false information to caller ID services or devices.
"Customers should be protected from people and organizations that misrepresent themselves through caller ID," Senator Gallivan said. "Too often illegal telemarketing companies or other fraudulent businesses use the latest technology to disguise their true identity, making it easier to victimize people, especially the elderly. We need to hold these companies accountable for their fraudulent actions."
Those caught spoofing may be ordered to pay restitution to victims and could be fined up to $2000 per call.
