(Juneau) - HB 308, legislation to make it a crime to insert false information into the caller ID system, passed the house yesterday. Representative Bob Lynn (R-Anchorage) sponsored this legislation to combat a growing problem nationwide.

The concern behind the passage of HB 308 lies in the fact that sexual predators could use "Spoofing" to trick and lure women and children into dangerous situations where they can be victimized. There is a potential for hoax emergency calls to law enforcement or fire departments. Scam artists who appear to be phoning from a reputable agency can defraud their victims with ease.

"False caller ID Spoofing is more than just a prank, or annoyance, like getting a call from Elvis Presley or a pizza delivered to someone who didn't order it. The power to create serious mischief with caller ID spoofing technology is almost unlimited and it can facilitate fraud, and even be potentially dangerous," said Representative Lynn.

HB 308 makes it a class B misdemeanor for anyone in Alaska who commits caller ID fraud. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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