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The latest news from every corner of the state, including policy emerging from Missouri's capitol.

Missouri Senate Passes Bill That Would Criminalize 'Call Spoofing'

JESHOOTS-com
/
Pixabay

 

Credit JESHOOTS-com / Pixabay
/
Pixabay

When telemarketers disguise their phone number on your caller ID, it’s known as "call spoofing." To many, it’s irritating. To others, it's predatory. And it may soon be considered a crime in Missouri.On Thursday the Missouri Senate passed a bill sponsored by state senator Eric Burlison of southwest Missouri that would criminalize call spoofing as a felony, as well as allow the scammers to be sued by victims in civil court. Burlison said in a press release the call spoofers often target the vulnerable. 

According to the FCC, scammers can display fake phone numbers on a phone’s caller ID to make it seem like a call is coming from a local number. Some people fall prey to call spoofers when they agree to give scammers personal information, like a social security number or bank information.   If you've been a victim of this activity, you can visit fcc.gov/spoofing.

The bill now heads to the Missouri House. 

Copyright 2021 KSMU

Josh Conaway is a second year student at Missouri State University studying political science and Spanish. He works as news reporter and announcer for KSMU. His favorite part of working for KSMU is meeting a wide variety of interesting people for stories. He has a passion for history and running.
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