New phone scam info

[Hallmac]

This was passed to me for investigation thought i would share it here.


>#90 on the telephone
>PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW
>
> I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on telephone lines.
>He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up.
> Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.
> Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#,
> you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.
> I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons.

I have also verified this information with UCB
Telecom,Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic and GTE. Please beware.

DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.
The GTE Security Department requested that I share this
information with EVERYONE I KNOW.

Please be aware this could happen to you.

Hallmac

 

[chiara]

It's an urban legend

If you go to google, you'll find many links explaining it.

First one I found was here: http://www.cnet.com/techtrends/0-7311128-8-7319648-1.html

 

[Hallmac]

You just saved me time and few phone calls to find the answer and solution. I'll forward the info back.

Hallmac

 

[nickjb]

The majority of virus/fraud circular emails seem to be hoaxes (especially the ones about deleting files on your PC). It is well worth a check on the internet before worrying.

 

[Jonathan]

We have a phone scam here in Japan known as one ring. They phone your keitei (mobile) but hang up after one ring. If you are dumb enough to phone back (it's had a lot of publicity but people still do) you get a hefty bill - over $100 I believe.

This has been outlawed now as it has brought down major phone exchanges - but the occasional one still sneaks out...