Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-12-207 — Misrepresentation of a call or text communication identification., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-12-207. Misrepresentation of a call or text communication identification.
Effective 5/7/2025
76-12-207.
Misrepresentation of a call or text communication identification.
| (1) |
| (a) | As used in this section:
| (i) | "Caller or text message identification information" means information provided by a caller identification service or text message service regarding the telephone number or other information regarding the origination of a call or text message made using a telecommunications service or VoIP voice service. |
| (ii) | "Caller or text message identification service" means a service or device designed to provide the user of the service or device with the telephone number of, or other information regarding, the origination of a call or text message made using a telecommunications service or VoIP voice service, including automatic number identification services. |
| (iii) | "Text message":
| (A) | means a real-time or near real-time message consisting of text, images, sounds, or other information transmitted from or received by a device identified by a telephone number; and |
| (B) | does not include a real-time, two-way voice or video communication. |
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| (iv) | "VoIP" means a technology that allows telephone calls to be made over computer networks, including the Internet. |
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| (2) | An actor commits misrepresentation of a call or text communication identification if the actor, in connection with a telecommunications service or VoIP voice service, knowingly causes a caller identification service or text message service to transmit false, misleading, or inaccurate caller or text message identification information:
| (a) | with the intent to harm the recipient of the call or text message; or |
| (b) | to a public safety answering point when reporting an emergency. |
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| (3) |
| (a) | Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class C misdemeanor. |
| (b) | A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor on a second or subsequent violation. |
| (c) | Each separate call or text message is a violation of this section. |
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| (4) | This section does not prevent or restrict a person from blocking the capability of a caller or text message identification service to transmit caller or text message identification information. |
| (5) | The following are exempt from this section:
| (a) | the lawful investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement agency; and |
| (b) | a court order that specifically authorizes the use of caller or text message identification manipulation. |
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| (6) | A violation of this section may be enforced in a civil action initiated by the recipient of a call, message, or text message made in violation of this section, a criminal action initiated by a prosecuting attorney, or both. |
| (7) | This section does not apply to an Internet service provider or hosting company, a provider of public telecommunications services, or a text message service by reason of the fact that the Internet service provider, hosting company, text message service, or provider of public telecommunications services:
| (a) | transmits, routes, or provides connections for material without selecting the material; |
| (b) | stores or delivers the material at the direction of a user; or |
| (c) | provides a caller or text message identification service. |
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Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
173, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-12-207
What does Utah Code § 76-12-207 cover?
Section 76-12-207 ("Misrepresentation of a call or text communication identification.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 76-12-207?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-12-207" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 76-12-207 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
