Federal law requires a marketer to identify themselves at the outset of every call.

But not every marketer follows the law. Many–particularly offshore call centers working with lead generators here in the states– will use fake names and refuse to share their identity.

Well in Gray v. John Doe, 2025 WL 3022874 (N.D. Cal. Oct. 29, 2025) a consumer sued the unknown individuals behind unwanted marketing calls he was receiving. And when the couldn’t figure out their identities he asked the court for help.

In its ruling yesterday the Court granted early permission to the plaintiff to subpoena carriers to find out who owns the numbers:

Plaintiff has demonstrated a prima facie claim for violations of the TCPA. The TCPA generally prohibits the use of an Automated Telephone Dialing System, except for emergency purposes or with the prior express consent of the called party. 47 U.S.C. § 227(b)(1)(A). Plaintiff alleges Defendants violated the TCPA by calling his phone without prior express consent and using an artificial or prerecorded voice to deliver telemarketing messages. Compl. ¶ 14. The TCPA provides a private cause of action for violations of the Act. 47 U.S.C. § 227(b)(3).

Accordingly, the Court finds good cause exists to permit Plaintiff to propound early limited discovery to determine Defendants’ identities and addresses for service.

So there you go. No hiding. If you are a marketer who thinks you can evade the law– think again.