1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “COVID–19 Stop Calling Americans Maliciously Act” or the “COVID–19 SCAM Act”.
COVID–19 Stop Calling Americans Maliciously Act
A BILL
To prohibit the use of telephone calls or text messages for unfair or deceptive acts or practices relating to COVID–19, and for other purposes.
2. Prohibition on the use of telephone calls or text messages for unfair or deceptive acts or practices relating to COVID–19
In general— It shall be unlawful for any person to make or place a telephone call or send a text message to offer a good or service or make a solicitation if during such call or text message the person conveys materially misleading or inaccurate information relating to COVID–19 as part of such offer or solicitation.
Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission—
In general— A violation of subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
Powers of Commission— The Commission shall enforce subsection (a) in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act. Any person who violates such subsection shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Text message defined— The term “text message” has the meaning given the term in section 227(e)(8)(C) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227(e)(8)(C)).