TN Senate Passes Phone Scam Bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Senate has unanimously approved legislation that seeks to combat phone scams targeting Tennessee senior citizens.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Sen. Joe Haynes of Nashville was approved 32-0 on Thursday.

It would impose a fine of up to $2,500 for anyone in the state who uses a false or concealed number through an autodialer to call another Tennessee phone number.

Haynes said he proposed the bill after receiving complaints from relatives of senior citizens who received outrageous contract offers from insurance agents, pest control companies and people posing as home repair agencies.

Political candidates, schools, businesses and charities would be allowed to use autodialers as long as their Tennessee phone numbers and names are displayed through caller identification.

The companion bill is awaiting a vote in a House subcommittee.

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Read SB2501 at http://capitol.tn.gov