FCC cracks down on Caller ID Spoofing. Did you know that Caller ID is implemented in such a way that your phone number is in fact always sent along, with a privacy bit to "advise" the receiving phone switch not to display it? That is how 911 operators can tell who is calling them, as their phone switches ignore the privacy bit. It is also how any toll-free number you call can detect your phone number, even if you try to block it. (The rationale here is that you are calling them on their dime.) You can fake your Caller ID by implementing a rogue switch, although it is probably illegal. Just think of the havoc that these spoof systems can cause, aside from some fun practical jokes. This is similar to email spoofing, which these days is used for nefafious purposes much more than for amusement. ¶7:54 AM; digg