| There is another “Truth In Caller ID Act” bill | | | | past few years due to the fact that more and more |
| currently making its way through the Senate. This bill, | | | | people are becoming aware that this service may be |
| known as The Truth In Caller ID Act of 2007, passed | | | | used to obtain phone records and other personal or |
| in the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2007. | | | | corporate information. It is because of the corruption |
| This is the second time a bill of this nature is being | | | | that has, and can occur with Caller ID spoofing, that |
| considered. The first of its kind, The Truth In Caller ID | | | | captured the government’s attention and brought |
| Act of 2006, was dropped and did not pass. | | | | about the creation of the Truth In Caller ID Act. |
| What does this bill mean and what will happen if it | | | | The objective of this bill is to put a stop to Caller ID |
| passes? Many people are under the impression that if | | | | spoofing used to commit wire fraud or identity theft, by |
| the Truth In Caller ID Act passes into law, it will | | | | punishing those who engage in this practice by fining or |
| terminate Caller ID spoofing or the companies that | | | | prosecuting them. Therefore, people who use Caller ID |
| offer this service. At this particular time, this is not true. | | | | spoofing to make prank calls should also be aware |
| The purpose of the bill, as it stands now, is not to | | | | that though they may only be intending a practical joke, |
| eliminate Caller ID spoofing, but to place responsibility | | | | this can be considered “causing harm”, which |
| on the individual who utilizes Caller ID spoofing to | | | | would be against the law and could result in a fine. |
| ensure they use the service within the law. | | | | Last but not least, telemarketers may also be subject |
| More specifically, the individual would not be permitted | | | | to a fine if the law is passed, should they attempt to |
| to spoof with the intention of defrauding, causing harm, | | | | use Caller ID spoofing to bypass the National Do Not |
| or attempting to wrongfully obtain anything valuable. In | | | | Call Registry law. That being said, you should know |
| other words, a person will no longer be able to use the | | | | that although this law has not yet been passed, you |
| Caller ID spoofing service to make a pretext call. | | | | can still find out whose calling you and find the source |
| Caller ID spoofing has become a serious issue in the | | | | to prank calls. |