Florida lawmakers propose bill to combat fake caller ID scams

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Lawmakers in Tallahassee are introducing a bill to combat the increasing problem of spam calls using fake caller IDs and local area codes, with the goal of holding cell carriers accountable for failing to block these calls.

People in Lee County said they receive unwanted calls frequently.

"It's a daily and constant barrage," Mike Libertine said, noting that he receives anywhere from two to half a dozen calls every day.

"They sometimes ask for money directly," Anthony Vail said. "They're not scared even to just be like, you know, hey, just send me $30."

Phone users like Vail said they have noticed the calls getting more specific. "They seem to pick up on the algorithms that are on the other programs on your phone, and they're feeding into things that, you know, I'm already interested in, but they're not legit."

This tactic is becoming increasingly common, according to tech experts.

"It's very easy to stand up a big block of phone numbers and to spoof or pretend to be some other company," said John Joyce, CEO of CRS Technology Consultants. "Some versions that are very low tech or simply all they do is change the caller ID on that outbound line to resemble a legitimate business, or something that they think is going to get someone to answer the phone."

If passed, the bill would fine cell carriers up to $250,000 for not blocking the fake caller IDs.

"The carriers themselves are really in the best place to be able to use that data to derive a better product," Joyce said. "It's unfortunate that legislation is going to likely have to be a thing that drives that, but the good news is that carriers can embrace that and actually make their product better."

"It would be nice to see politicians step up to the plate and, you know, help protect the citizens," Vail said.

The bill is currently making its way through House committees.

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