>>>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. >>> >>> >> > >______________________________