OTTAWA-GATINEAU – Canadians frustrated by telemarketing calls masquerading as legit now have a chance to help the CRTC crack down on the practice of illegitimate caller identification (caller ID) spoofing.
Caller identification spoofing occurs when telemarketers hide or misrepresent their identity by displaying fictitious phone numbers when making calls. The CRTC said Thursday that it wants to gather information from both the public and the telecommunications industry to better understand the technical solutions currently available to help manage unsolicited telecommunications and illegitimate telemarketing calls.
"Canadians are very frustrated with telemarketers who hide their identity or misappropriate the legitimate numbers of Canadians and businesses”, said CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais, in a statement. “A significant proportion of the complaints we receive now involve some element of illegitimate caller identification spoofing. There are tools that can help Canadians protect themselves, and there may be new and innovative solutions on the horizon. Following this consultation, we will be publishing guidance material to empower Canadians to make informed choices for themselves and their families."
Canadians are encouraged to share their views on the technical solutions available to help them manage unwanted calls; barriers they may face to adopting or using these solutions, and new and innovative solutions that could help them manage their telemarketing calls. Comments are due by October 16.
As an initial step in the proceeding, the Commission has asked the telecommunications industry provide, by September 4, information on the options and features currently available to help Canadians manage unsolicited and illegitimate calls.
