Gavarone Introduces Bill to Help Stop Fraudulent Phone Calls

COLUMBUS—State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) today introduced Senate Bill 54, a bill creating the offenses of theft for conversion of a telephone number or exchange, and providing misleading caller identification information. “Criminals are constantly using illegal robocalls to manipulate and trick many people out of their precious time and hard-earned money,” Gavarone said. “This legislation is a big step forward in our fight to better safeguard Ohioans from fraud and scams over the phone.” The bill would stop criminals from using or repeating a telephone number, exchange, or misleading caller identification information that is not assigned to the person, with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value. Senate Bill 54 will now be referred to committee for further consideration.