ban SIM boxes used to disguise scam robocalls as local numbers

“Scammers shouldn’t be able to use our area codes to rip off our communities,” said Congressman Menendez. “Our legislation bans the deceptive devices that allow scammers to masquerade as our neighbors, cutting off a key tool for fraudsters and protecting working families.”

Menendez promoted legislation to ban SIM boxes, the devices scammers use to disguise robocalls as local numbers, in order to cut off a tool for fraud and protect families.

Menendez, Shreve Introduce Legislation to Ban Scam Call Machines | U.S. House Representative Rob Menendez
primary · press_release · model gpt-5.5

unverified · Source version 80832 · locator unknown

Today, Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) introduced the bipartisan Stop SIM Box Scams Act, which would ban the hardware that enables scammers to disguise robocalls as local telephone numbers.

Unverified model/legacy excerpt; not proof. AI summary (separate from source): Menendez announced introduction of a bipartisan bill matching the promise, but the announcement describes proposed legislation rather than enacted law.

unresolved same_term A for effort

Menendez, Shreve Introduce Legislation to Ban Scam Call Machines | U.S. House Representative Rob Menendez
primary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 95%

unverified · Source version 80836 · locator unknown

By Mr. SHREVE (for himself, Mr. SUBRAMANYAM, and Mr. MENENDEZ): H.R. 10705. A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish prohibitions with respect to SIM boxes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Unverified model/legacy excerpt; not proof. AI summary (separate from source): The Congressional Record shows H.R. 10705 was introduced with Menendez as a cosponsor and referred to committee, confirming legislative effort but no enactment at this stage.

unresolved same_term A for effort

CREC-2026-10-01-house.pdf
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 94%

verified · Source version 80838 · locator 1072

The bill would prohibit manufacturing, importing, selling, leasing, advertising, owning, or operating SIM boxes. It would also direct the Federal Communications Commission to coordinate with federal law enforcement to block imports and pursue the scam syndicates using them.

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): The lead sponsor's official release states the bill's operative ban and enforcement approach, supporting that Menendez-backed legislation attempts the promised policy but remains a bill.

unresolved same_term A for effort

Shreve Introduces Bill to Ban Scam Call Machines | Representative Jefferson Shreve
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 92%