HARRISBURG – Telemarketers would be prohibited from spoofing phone numbers to fool consumers under a bill approved by the Senate Monday, according to Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-34), who supported the measure.
“Spoofing telephone numbers by telemarketers is designed to sow confusion and lure people into picking up the phone,” Corman said. “Making it unlawful will protect those who might fall victim to this trick, which also can result in other fraud.”
Telemarketers frequently spoof phone numbers to make it appear as if their call originates in the same area as the recipient. Senate Bill 764 would prevent any individual or entity from engaging in caller ID spoofing in order to defraud, cause harm or obtain anything of value from another person.
The bill includes exceptions for certain law enforcement agencies, as well as telecommunications providers offering relevant information to customers.
The legislation would also prohibit telemarketing and robocalls between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Senate Bill 764 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.