OH HB597

Prohibits any person from knowingly causing a caller identification service to transmit an unassigned telephone number or misleading/inaccurate caller identification information in connection with any telecommunications or voice over internet protocol service.

Theft or conversion of a telephone number or exchange is a felony of the fifth degree; providing misleading caller identification information is a felony of the fourth degree.

Enhances penalties to felony of the fourth degree for theft of telephone numbers and felony of the third degree for misleading caller identification when the victim is an elderly person, disabled adult, active duty service member, or spouse of an active duty service member.

Exempts use of telephone numbers identified as "unknown" or "blocked" or leaving a message with the caller's actual identity.

Classifies violations as unfair or deceptive practices under consumer protection law, allowing injured consumers to sue without requiring a criminal conviction and permitting them to keep goods or services obtained through the violation without payment.