Typical E-mail Hoax about a Telephone Scam

The following hoax fools many people.

“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.

“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.”