Spoofers beware.
New York residents now have some protection against those annoying businesses and telemarketers that call and that hide their caller ID or use fake caller ID information thanks to legislation passed Tuesday in the NY State Assembly.
NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-88th District,) who represents part of New Rochelle, announced the bill's passage.
The bill, sponsored by Paulin, prevents businesses from "altering caller identification information with the intent to defraud or harass a third party or the recipient of the call, a practice also referred to as " 'spoofing.' "
Paulin called the fraudulent practice an "unacceptable invasion of privacy. It is my sincere hope that this legislation prevents spoofing and provides some relief for those who have been victims of unauthorized caller identification.”
Silver said New York consumers are victims as well as those who have their caller info stolen and used by the scammers.
“This legislation takes a necessary step towards blocking this activity and restoring the public’s trust in our telecommunications technology,” Silver stated.
The new legislation makes spoofing a violation of the general business law and would allow the attorney general and victims to take action against the scammers.
