Mass. Rep. Capuano Says Someone 'Spoofed' His Office Phone
BOSTON (CBS) -- Massachusetts Congressman Michael Capuano wants his constituents to know that, while it appeared that someone called them from his Washington office talking about drugs and sex, it wasn't him.
"Spoofing" is when someone disguises their phone's ID as someone else's. Capuano told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens that somebody spoofed his office phone, and he has no idea why.
"First of all, it's like, okay, is this some kind of a scam to raise money?" says Capuano. "Is this ransomware? I have no idea. Even as I stand here now, about a week later from when it originally started, I still don't understand the purpose."
He said some people actually talked to a person on the other line when the original call was made.
"They were told something about drug sales, and then a couple of people reported some inappropriate sexual commentary as well," said Capuano.
According to a post on Capuano's Facebook page, the calls "have continued at a high volume."
Capuano said he wanted his constituents to know that he had nothing to do with the calls, which constitute a federal crime under the Truth in Calling Act. His office reported the calls to Capitol Police, and Capuano said that, whoever is responsible, they will be prosecuted if caught.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports