early September:
I received a telephone call today from an individual identifying himself
as an AT&T Service Technician who was conducting a test on our 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 allows them to place long distance telephone calls billed to
your home phone number. I was further informed that this scam has been
originating from many of the local jails/prisons. I have also verified
this information with UCB Telecomm, Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic, GTE
and NYNEX. Please beware.
Please try to pass this on to as many people as you can. Last I heard the
phone companies are still working on it.