Bill > A06005

This bill establishes two new criminal offenses related to "spoofing" (falsifying) police agency telephone numbers in New York State. Specifically, a person commits spoofing a police agency telephone number in the second degree when they intentionally place a phone call that displays a police agency's phone number or information, with the intent to defraud, harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person - which is classified as a class A misdemeanor. A person commits spoofing a police agency telephone number in the first degree if they commit the second-degree offense and have a prior conviction for the same or similar offense within the past ten years, which is classified as a class E felony. The bill aims to prevent individuals from misleading others by making phone calls that appear to originate from legitimate law enforcement agencies, which could cause confusion, fear, or potential harm. The law will take effect 60 days after it becomes official, providing time for law enforcement and the public to become aware of the new criminal provisions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6005