Bill would add prison time for illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing

What does this do?

The bill adds criminal penalties to existing federal robocall law, which currently relies mainly on civil fines. Willful violations could bring up to 1 year in prison, a fine, or both, rising to up to 3 years for serious cases like huge call volumes, felony use, or over $5,000 in victim losses. It also doubles the maximum spoofing fine from $10,000 to $20,000 per violation.

Who does it affect?

Telemarketers, scam callers, and companies using automated dialing or prerecorded messages without permission would face the new penalties. Phone and text users would be affected indirectly, and legitimate businesses following consent rules would not be impacted.

Why does it matter?

Stronger criminal penalties and higher fines are intended to deter illegal robocalls, robotexts, and caller ID spoofing scams.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Spoofing fine doubles
• Was $10,000 per violation
• Now up to $20,000