Best report
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Jul 13, 2015
FCC rules on caller ID spoofing
Under the Truth in Caller ID Act, FCC rules:
Prohibit any person or entity from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.
Subject violators to a penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the rules.
Exempt authorized activities by law enforcement agencies and situations where courts have authorized caller ID manipulation to occur.
What are the rules regarding caller ID for telemarketers?
FCC rules specifically require that a telemarketer:
Transmit or display its telephone number or the telephone number of the seller on whose behalf the telemarketer is calling, and, if possible, its name or the name and telephone number of the company for which it is selling products or services.
Display a telephone number that you can call during regular business hours to ask to no longer be called. This rule applies even to companies that already have an established business relationship with you.
What other tips can the FCC give consumers?
Don't give out personal information in response to an incoming call. Identity thieves are clever – they often pose as representatives of banks, credit card companies, creditors, or government agencies to get people to reveal their account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords and other identifying information.
If you get an inquiry from a company or government agency seeking personal information, don't provide it. Instead, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book or on the company's or government agency's website to find out if the entity that supposedly called you actually needs the requested information from you.
What can I do if I suspect a violation of caller ID rules?
If you have caller ID and receive a call from a telemarketer without the required caller ID information, if you suspect that Caller ID information has been falsified, or you think the rules for protecting the privacy of your telephone number have been violated, you can file a complaint with the FCC.
Filing a complaint
You have multiple options for filing a complaint with the FCC:
File a complaint online
By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322); ASL Videophone: 1-844-432-2275
By mail (please include your name, address, contact information and as much detail about your complaint as possible):
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554
Under the Truth in Caller ID Act, FCC rules:
Prohibit any person or entity from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.
Subject violators to a penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the rules.
Exempt authorized activities by law enforcement agencies and situations where courts have authorized caller ID manipulation to occur.
What are the rules regarding caller ID for telemarketers?
FCC rules specifically require that a telemarketer:
Transmit or display its telephone number or the telephone number of the seller on whose behalf the telemarketer is calling, and, if possible, its name or the name and telephone number of the company for which it is selling products or services.
Display a telephone number that you can call during regular business hours to ask to no longer be called. This rule applies even to companies that already have an established business relationship with you.
What other tips can the FCC give consumers?
Don't give out personal information in response to an incoming call. Identity thieves are clever – they often pose as representatives of banks, credit card companies, creditors, or government agencies to get people to reveal their account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords and other identifying information.
If you get an inquiry from a company or government agency seeking personal information, don't provide it. Instead, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book or on the company's or government agency's website to find out if the entity that supposedly called you actually needs the requested information from you.
What can I do if I suspect a violation of caller ID rules?
If you have caller ID and receive a call from a telemarketer without the required caller ID information, if you suspect that Caller ID information has been falsified, or you think the rules for protecting the privacy of your telephone number have been violated, you can file a complaint with the FCC.
Filing a complaint
You have multiple options for filing a complaint with the FCC:
File a complaint online
By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322); ASL Videophone: 1-844-432-2275
By mail (please include your name, address, contact information and as much detail about your complaint as possible):
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554