Received this in my e-mail from family in Orlando--could happen anywhere--if you have family sitting at home you might warn them.
EVERYBODY IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK!
This can happen at home and at work, everyone should be aware...I sent
this to all my friends last Friday night and I've already had 3 email me
to say that it's already happened to them. 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 who
called you access to your telephone line and allows 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. 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 go ahead and 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 share this information.
EVERYBODY IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK!
This can happen at home and at work, everyone should be aware...I sent
this to all my friends last Friday night and I've already had 3 email me
to say that it's already happened to them. 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 who
called you access to your telephone line and allows 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. 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 go ahead and 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 share this information.