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Archiver > ARCLAY > 1998-06 > 0897300936


From: "Melissa Haley" <>
Subject: Fw: Beware of this scam!
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 05:15:36 -0500


>>>Subject: (Fwd) (Fwd) PHONE SCAM!!
>>>
>>>"I received a telephone call from an individual identifying himself
>>>as an AT&T Service Technician that was running a test on our telephone
>>>lines. He stated that to complete the test we should touch nine (9),
>>> zero (0), pound sign (#) and hang up. Luckily, we were suspicious
>>>and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company we were informed
>>>that by pushing 90# you end up giving the individual that called you
>>>access to your telephone line and allow them to place a long distance
>>>telephone call, with the charge appearing on your telephone bill. We
>>>were further informed that this scam has been originating from many
>>>of the local jails/prisons. I have verified with UCB Telecomm. that
>>>this actually happens.
>>>
>>>Please beware. This sounds like an Urban Legend - IT IS NOT!!! I
>>>called GTE Security this morning and verified that this is definitely
>>>possible and DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE. It will give them access to
>>>your phone line to make long distances calls ANYWHERE!!!! The GTE
>>>Security department told me to share this information with EVERYONE I
>>>KNOW!!!
>>>
>>>Could you PLEASE pass this on. If you have mailing lists and/or
>>>newsletters from organizations you are connected with, I encourage you
>>>to include this information."
>>>
>>>*************************************************************************
*
>*
>>*
>>>
>>>
>>>********************************
>>>
>>>I know this sounds ridiculous but the GTE operator told me the scammer
had
>>>control of the long distance access until they hung up. This means they
>>>could make lots of long distance calls until they hung up. When their
>>>destination caller hangs up, the scammer still has control of your ld
>>>access
>>>and they can make another and another and another call. Forever.
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>______________________________

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