2019 Maryland Code
Commercial Law
Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions
Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 14-1326. Caller ID spoofing ban

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Caller identification information” means information provided by a caller identification service regarding the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origin of, a call made using a communications service, including a telecommunications, broadband, or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service.

        (3)    “Caller ID spoofing” means the practice of using an application or other technology in connection with a communications service, including a telecommunications, broadband, or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service, to knowingly cause any caller identification service to transmit false or misleading caller identification information to an individual receiving a call.

    (b)    An individual or person may not perform caller ID spoofing when contacting another individual in the State with the intent to defraud, harass, cause harm to, or wrongfully obtain anything of value from another.

    (c)    This section does not apply to:

        (1)    The blocking of caller identification information;

        (2)    A federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency;

        (3)    A federal intelligence or security agency; or

        (4)    A communications service provider, including a telecommunications, broadband, or Voice over Internet Protocol service provider, that is:

            (i)    Acting in the communications service provider’s capacity as an intermediary for the transmission of telephone service between the caller and the recipient;

            (ii)    Providing or configuring a service or service feature as requested by the customer;

            (iii)    Acting in a manner that is authorized or required by applicable law; or

            (iv)    Engaging in other conduct that is necessary to provide service.

    (d)    A violation of this section is:

        (1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and

        (2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.