[at-l] Fw: This is not a joke OT

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark)]

Below I have cut and pasted info from a reputable internet hoax web site
  regarding this issue:

[begin pasted information]

January 1998

This warning is basically true for some but not all phone systems. Some
PBX systems transfer a call to an outside, long distance operator when
you type 90# giving the caller an outside line on your dime. It works if
your phone system requires you to dial 9 to get an outside line, 0 to
get an operator and # to transfer the incoming call to the line you have
just dialed. Few home phones require you to dial 9 to get an outside
line so dialing 90# will only get you a busy signal. As this is one of
thousands of potential scams, sending out a message to everyone you know
probably does more damage than the scam being warned about.

[end pasted information]

I hope this helps everyone evaluate how much to worry [i.e., none re the
normal home phone system, which for instance never needs you to dial 9
to get an outside line.]

On a more general basis, this website is a GREAT source of comfort re
the never-ending flood of potential internet scams, warnings, hoaxes,
etc.  The web address is:  http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/

thru-thinker


Jensine wrote:

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> ----- Original Message -----
> Sent: Monday, September 23, 2002 7:22 PM
> Subject: Fw: This is not a joke
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>             ----- Original Message -----
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>             PLEASE PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW-THIS IS NOT A JOKE
>
>             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 pass this on to everyone YOU know.
>
>             If you have mailing lists and/or newsletters from organizations you are
>             connected with, I encourage you to pass on this information to them.
>
>             After checking with Verizon they said it was true, so do not dial (9),
>             zero(0), the pound sign # and hang up for anyone.
>             PLEASE PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW
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