Anti-Robocall Law Goes Into Effect In Ohio

OHIO — In the constant struggle against robocalls, Ohioans have a new ally — Senate Bill 54 goes into effect on Wednesday.

The legislation, which was passed last year, prohibits spoofing. Spoofing is a tool robocallers use to disguise their phone number and make it look like someone else, possibly someone legitimate, is calling you.

“This is a big step forward in our fight to better safeguard Ohioans from fraud and scams over the phone," said state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, who introduced the bill. "Thank you to my colleagues for getting this important bill across the finish line and into law."

Should robocallers continue to spoof legitimate phone numbers to make calls, the Ohio Attorney General is empowered to investigate their firm. If the robocaller tries to defraud their target — and their target is elderly, disabled, an active duty service member or the spouse of an active duty service member — the caller can be prosecuted for fourth-degree felony telecommunications fraud.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost offered the following tips to protect yourself from robocalls:

• Never interact with a suspected scam robocaller in any way.
• Carefully review terms and conditions when opting-in on websites that request a telephone number.
• Research services offered by your phone provider or apps to block unwanted calls.
• Register your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry online at DoNotCall.gov or or by phone at 1-888-382-1222. However, know that political and polling/research calls from live callers are generally permitted as exceptions to the Do Not Call laws but robocalls to mobile numbers require prior express consent.

Ohioans can report unwanted robocalls through the Ohio Attorney General's website.