Caller ID

==Insights==
Murphy Legislation Hangs Up on Caller ID Fraud - 5/4/2006
THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN TIM MURPHY (PA-18)
322 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2301
http://murphy.house.gov/
Contact: Mark Carpenter
May 4, 2006
===Murphy Legislation Hangs Up on Caller ID Fraud===
(Washington, D.C.) - People and organizations purposely disguising their
phone numbers to make it appear as if someone else is calling will soon be
breaking the law. Congressmen Tim Murphy (PA-18) today introduced
legislation making the practice, known as "call spoofing" or Caller ID
fraud, illegal and punishable with prison time.
"Caller ID fraud is a serious and growing problem that allows the caller to
hide their true identity," Congressman Tim Murphy said. "Through new
technology, practically anyone with a computer can commit Caller ID fraud,
either as a prank or a more serious offense such as stalking. One case lead
police in New Jersey to surround a house thinking there was a hostage
situation because of a call appearing to come from inside. This was a waste
of valuable police resources and risked lives."
The Preventing Harassment through Outbound Number Enforcement (PHONE) bill
makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly modify caller ID information with
the intent to mislead the recipient of the telephone call. Anyone caught
could face up to five years in prison and fines
"Today it is far too easy for criminals to obtain telephone equipment,
special calling cards, and even numerous Internet sites to alter the number
appearing on your caller ID," Murphy continued. "A person could easily
disguise themselves as a bank employee by having a bank's name and phone
number appear on a person's Caller ID. A customer of the bank might
unknowingly give the caller personal financial information that could lead
to identity theft and financial ruin.
"Current law does not protect families from receiving these deceptive and
threatening calls. Lengthy jail times and steep fines, in addition to the
penalties for associated crimes such identity theft, will make a person
think twice before committing Caller ID fraud.
"The PHONE bill puts an end to the harassment and danger caused by Caller ID
fraud. Every family deserves the security of knowing for sure who they are
talking to on the other end of the phone."
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Mark Carpenter
Communications Director
Office of Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18)
322 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2301