It's Not Legal, But Some Are Taking Steps To Silence Other People's Cellphone Calls

STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) — While not legal, some people are utilizing cellphone jammers to block cellphone signals and silence calls.

The mechanism is available for sale online and when used, results in a dropped call.

"Oh that's just rude 'cause it might be a really important business call," said an unidentified man.

Across the country, cellphone jamming is a federal offense punishable by jail time or a fine of up to $100,000.

"What if, in the next moment before they can turn their phone on, they need to call 911," KCAL9 Legal Analyst Steve Meister said.

Meister explained, "If you, in your sort of self-proclaimed genius and your self-proclaimed right to silence in a public place have decided to turn off their phone, you could be interfering with really
important communications."

A Florida man accused of using a cellphone jammer for years while driving on a Tampa freeway is facing a $50,000 fine.

"It was pretty amazing. We've seen some pocket jammers before but nothing of this scale and magnitude. It was capable and did shut down actual, entire cell sites," said Major Clyde Eisenberg of the Hillsborough County sheriff's office.

A major telephone company noticed a disturbance in their cellphone towers and notified authorities. The man claimed his goal was to keep drivers from talking on their cellphones.

While losing a cellphone signal doesn't always mean someone is jamming a call, if suspicions arise, call your cellphone carrier to verify that your phone is in working order. If your phone is in working order but the issue persists, call authorities.