An automated voice message telling Baltimore County residents their phones were tapped by the federal government turned out to be a political message.
About a dozen people called 911 when they received a message that said, “This line is now under surveillance by the federal government,” which was actually a “robocall” by the campaign to elect Richard Matthews to Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District against Democratic incumbent Rep. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger. The message also prompted people to call local radio talk shows looking for an answer.
“It doesn’t rise to the level of a crime, though it might be something the [Federal Communications Commission] might want to look into,” said Bill Toohey, Baltimore County police spokesman.
The text of the message, as provided by Ruppersberger’s office, said the congressman was a “Bush ally” who supported the reauthorization of the Patriot Act. The message ended with a notice that it was paid for by Matthews.
Ruppersberger said his support of the act came after requiring President Bush to obtain warrants for wiretaps.
“I’ve never seen anything this low,” Ruppersberger said. “I got dozens of phone calls from scared seniors asking what is going on.”
Matthews did not return calls made to his office.
