Putting A Stop to Caller Spoofing

A state lawmaker from Tulsa wants to make caller ID spoofing illegal. State Senator James Williamson says he got the idea after seeing a News On 6 investigation on the subject last May. <br/><br/>The

Wednesday, February 7th 2007, 5:52 am

By: News On 6

A state lawmaker from Tulsa wants to make caller ID spoofing illegal. State Senator James Williamson says he got the idea after seeing a News On 6 investigation on the subject last May.

The News On 6 showed how easy it was to access technology that lets you change the number someone sees in their caller ID. Criminals could make it look like they're calling from a bank to get people to reveal private information. Thieves could use it to seem they're calling from a legitimate charity to get people to donate money.

The head of Tulsa's United Way, Kathleen Coan, is glad caller ID spoofing could soon be illegal. "I think it's absolutely wonderful they're responding to something with terrible potential that could get worse as time goes on, as people become more aware of it."

The anti caller ID spoofing act unanimously passed a state Senate committee and now goes to vote in the full Senate. It would make caller ID spoofing a misdemeanor.