SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID – advanced out of the Senate Thursday.

“Time and again, residents are faced with harassment from scammers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “We need to protect our residents from these malicious calls.”

Senate Bill 160 prohibits spoof calls – and would no longer allow people to use a fake caller ID. The measure would also require automated telemarketers to state the organization they represent, the purpose of the call and require them to confirm that the individual wants to continue with the call. If the caller refuses the organization’s solicitation, the business must ensure they will not call the individual again and must take the steps necessary to remove the individual from their records.

“Consumers should have the right to know who is on the other end of the phone,” said Glowiak Hilton. “We need to take action on businesses that mislead people, and give individuals the ability to give proper consent to a solicitation.”

The measure passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.