Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Stop Coronavirus Scams Act of 2020”.
Stop Coronavirus Scams Act of 2020
A BILL
To double the penalties for causing the transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value by making certain false communications relating to COVID–19, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Doubling of penalties for caller ID spoofing in connection with COVID–19 scams
In general— In the case of a person who violates section 227(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227(e)) with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value by making a covered communication to the called party, the following shall apply:
The maximum amount of the forfeiture penalty that may be determined against such person for the violation under paragraph (5)(A)(i) of such section shall be 2 times the maximum amount that may be determined under such paragraph without regard to this paragraph.
The maximum amount of the criminal fine that may be imposed on such person for the violation under paragraph (5)(B) of such section shall be 2 times the maximum amount that may be imposed under such paragraph without regard to this paragraph.
The maximum length of the term of imprisonment that may be imposed on such person for the violation under section 501 of such Act (47 U.S.C. 501) shall be 2 times the maximum length of the term that may be imposed under such section without regard to this paragraph.
Regulations— Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall promulgate regulations to implement this section. Such regulations shall include criteria for determining whether a communication is a covered communication.
Definitions— In this section:
Called party— The term “called party” means the recipient of a telephone call or a text message (as the case may be) in connection with which misleading or inaccurate caller identification information is caused to be transmitted in violation of section 227(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227(e)).
Covered communication— The term “covered communication” means a communication (regardless of whether the communication expressly refers to SARS–CoV–2 or COVID–19) that would lead a reasonable person to believe—
that—
a financial opportunity (including participation in a government assistance program or a government or private loan or insurance program) is or may be available to such person, the household of such person, or a member of such household, when such opportunity is not in fact so available; and
the availability of such opportunity is a result of SARS–CoV–2 or COVID–19; or
that a product, service, benefit, or other opportunity relating to testing or treatment for or vaccination against SARS–CoV–2 or COVID–19, or relating to payment for such testing, treatment, or vaccination, is or may be available to such person, the household of such person, or a member of such household, when such opportunity is not in fact so available.