Patrick Leahy: “we have recently been reminded of the tremendous threat to consumer privacy posed by what is known as phone…”

“we have recently been reminded of the tremendous threat to consumer privacy posed by what is known as phone pretexting--the use of fraud and deception to acquire consumer phone records. The investigation into pretexting at Hewlett-Packard is just the latest example of why there is a need to enact legislation to safeguard the privacy and security of Americans' sensitive personal data. Consumer telephone records have become a hot commodity and this information is a treasure trove for those who would misuse it to make a profit or who exploit it for harmful purposes. More and more, this sensitive personal information is being collected, stored and disseminated without our knowledge or consent. Last Spring, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously reported a bipartisan bill that would protect the privacy interests of millions of American consumers who use cell phones, by making the act of pretexting illegal. The Telephone Records and Privacy Protection Act--TRAPP Act-- S. 2178, clarifies that it is illegal to use deception and fraud to obtain and sell confidential phone records. The bill ensures that the Department of Justice has the legal authority to seek criminal penalties and up to 10 years imprisonment for anyone who engages in pretexting. The legislation also preserves the rights of State and local governments to enforce their own privacy laws, to best protect the privacy rights of consumers.”