Pennsylvanians could soon have an easier time identifying unwanted telemarketing calls under a new state law that bans companies from disguising their identities or using fake local phone numbers.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed Act 47 of 2026 after the measure received unanimous approval from the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The law takes effect 90 days after its enactment.

One of the law’s key provisions prohibits telemarketers from using so-called “spoofing,” in which callers manipulate caller ID information to make a call appear to come from a local number or another identity. The practice is commonly used to increase the chances that someone will answer the phone.

The legislation also significantly shortens the hours during which telemarketing calls are permitted. Calls will be limited to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, compared with the current window of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Telemarketing calls will be prohibited entirely on Sundays and holidays.

The law also requires telemarketers to clearly disclose at the beginning of a call who they are, why they are calling and what product or service they are attempting to sell.

Telemarketers must immediately stop a solicitation call when the recipient asks them to. The legislation also expands Pennsylvania’s prohibitions against deceptive or abusive telemarketing practices.

The new restrictions are intended to provide consumers with greater protection from misleading and unwanted calls while making it more difficult for telemarketers to conceal who is actually calling.

NorhcentalPA.com